Fortunately, there are proven processes and techniques that help protect our restrooms against the COVID-19 virus. Those would include…
Vigilant Cleaning and Disinfection
Restrooms are reopening but the COVID crisis has not yet passed. Unless properly maintained, those restrooms will remain vulnerable to virus for the foreseeable future. A few best practices to follow are:
- A two-step process: All high touch point surfaces, fixtures, counters, and floors should be thoroughly cleaned followed by robust disinfection. Make sure that cleaning operators are properly trained on the differences between cleaning and disinfection.
- Using the right disinfecting products: Be sure to select products that have labels that clearly specify their use as disinfectants. Proper use of those products is crucial and special care should be taken to ensure that you follow all instructions on the product label. Most disinfectants require a specified dwell time to reach maximum effectiveness. That dwell time can be anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the product being used.
- Keeping cleaning materials fresh: Mops, towels, microfiber cloths, etc. should be cleaned or replaced after each restroom cleaning. Maintaining a well-stocked supply closet will be an essential component of your restroom reopening process.
- Increase cleaning and disinfection frequency: To help protect against COVID-19 you will need to step up your cleaning and disinfection routine. This should be done at least once per day or even more frequently for high-traffic restrooms.
Active Reinforcement of Proper Hand Washing
Many studies have shown that hand washing within restrooms is wildly inconsistent. Some people are very diligent, others much less so. Thorough hand washing helps ensure that folks will exit your restroom with hands that are free of virus and bacteria.
You can help reinforce proper hand washing by posting signage in your restrooms. Your signs should include some brief instructions on how to properly wash and dry hands. For many of your restroom visitors, a simple visual cue will be enough to encourage the desired behavior.
Hand Sanitizing Stations
Set up hand sanitizing stations at the exit of your restroom. In addition to good hand-washing practices, the use of hand sanitizing products can provide an additional level of protection as folks exit your restroom. Not all hand sanitizing products are equal. Make sure to select a product that has been approved by the FDA and/or CDC.
As the country begins to get back to some level of normalcy, it will be important that we remain alert to the threat still posed by the COVID-19 virus. Taking additional measures to ensure that our restrooms are clean and healthy will play a large role in our ability to safely resume our normal routines.
