By Oliver Johnson, Managing Director, Zenith Washroom Solutions
Businesses have realised that keeping their washrooms clean is just the start, and that creating a pleasant and hygienic environment will have a positive effect on customers, guests, and employees. But therein lies the problem: the range of facilities and equipment required to do this can fall beyond the capabilities of in-house teams or the remit of building service contractors. Instead, businesses are turning to specialist suppliers to complement and enhance the overall service provision.
Good washroom management will always be based around regular cleaning to maximise hygiene, remove unsightly soiling, and prevent unpleasant odours. Choosing the right combination of products is important, whether these be for routine or problem-solving tasks. Ready to use products can be convenient, especially for occasional use, but using concentrates to prepare solutions on-site for routine tasks can help to reduce costs with many other sustainability benefits. Many in-house and contract cleaning teams have already taken this approach.
But alongside traditional washroom amenities it is now commonplace, especially in retail and hospitality, to find baby changing facilities, air fragrance devices, vending machines, and a whole range of other equipment designed to improve the ambiance and enhance perceptions of cleanliness.
Since the start of the pandemic, for example, many businesses have requested ways to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens from the air while also improving its overall quality and adding pleasant fragrances. This can create a safer and enhanced environment but requires specialist equipment that must be configured and serviced correctly by qualified technicians to maintain efficient performance.
Demand for improved sustainability is also driving change, as typified by the growth of waterless urinals. The switch is rarely simple and effective solutions might incorporate devices to deal with the urine and residues, prevent splashback, and eliminate odours. Solving washroom problems like this is an increasingly specialist task.
Another key issue is waste disposal and management, which is covered by numerous regulations. Feminine hygiene waste and used nappies can only be disposed by registered carriers who ensure compliance and keep on top of any necessary paperwork. It is a burden that most businesses will want to pass on to experienced service providers.
These examples perhaps explain why in-house and contract cleaning teams turn to specialist suppliers. They can maintain their focus on their core cleaning tasks without the need to manage specialist and often complex equipment. The opposite is also true because the specialist provider can manage its equipment and services without having to worry about the cleaning. Specialist washroom solutions providers are used to working and integrating their operations with in-house and contract cleaning teams to provide a seamless service. Both parties can do what they do best to deliver an enhanced outcome for the facility.
There are also some sound business reasons. In particular, a washroom solutions specialist can offer some or all products and services for a fixed monthly or annual fee. That provides customers with transparency and predictability in their budgets with no hidden extras. Solutions providers will also generally work to agreed service levels. These might include the frequency waste is removed, when equipment is checked and refilled, and response times for maintenance visits. Working this way offers customers the assurance of service continuity and the peace of mind that unexpected issues will be dealt with promptly. Reports and information provided by the washroom specialist can be used to verify performance and demonstrate compliance.
Washrooms always have a significant impact on customer perceptions. And the pandemic has heightened and highlighted the importance of hygiene. Building on the base of good cleaning with additional amenities and facilities can make a real difference that customers will notice and appreciate.