The other day I was at an office building for a client meeting. It was not one of those swanky offices, but rather a factory / warehouse type. I was just about to enter my client’s office when I had a sudden urge to attend the call of nature. One of my greatest pet peeves is using public toilets especially in such environments as its cleanliness can be ….questionable.
I rushed to the washroom with great unease, expecting the worst. To my surprise, the washroom was spick and span with the most alluring floral fragrance! I was amazed by the cleanliness and care taken in keeping the restroom clean! Boy was I relieved (pun intended). And plus points were that the washbasins were equipped with hand sanitizers and the toilets were also handicap friendly. On my way out I also saw that the restroom had received a LOO Award.
While cleaning toilets may certainly not be a task to be cherished. However, following a prescribed sequence and cleaning methodically can save time & effort, perhaps making the task not so arduous, after all.
How to Clean the Washroom Effectively
General cleaning should be done daily and follow a systematic sequence to prevent cross contamination. This improves work efficiency and reduces overall labour time.
Follow these 8 steps for a cleaner toilet.
1. Initial washroom inspection
- Knock and inform public about cleaning works
- Display safety sign at the entrance
- Wear proper clothing and carry necessary tools and chemicals
- Check for defects or spillages
2. Replenish consumables
- Make sure hands are dry
- Replenish toilet rolls and top up liquid hand soap
3. Washing urinals and toilet bowls
- Wear protective gear
- Flush and pour cleaning solution and let it soak
- Prepare sanitizing solution and pour over stains or blood. Use absorbent paper to soak up stain
- Brush interior and rims of toilet bowl and urinals; Flush
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth soaked in sanitizing solution
4. Cleaning cubicles, washbasins, mirrors and vanity tops
- Prepare sanitizing solution
- Wipe mirrors, soap dispenser, hand dryer, vanity top and wash basins. Always work from top to bottom
- Wipe the walls, partitions and cubicle doors. Work from top to bottom
- Wipe urinal walls
5. Wiping windows, fans and other fixtures
- Switch off the fan and dust the corners, ceiling fixtures, walls and air vents
- Prepare glass cleaning solution
- Wash windows with washer and solution
- Use a squeegee to wipe away liquid on the glass
6. Sweeping and removing litter
- Sweep floors paying attention to corners. Throw debris into bins
- Remove bin liner and sanitize the bin
- Replace bin liner
7. Mopping floor
- Prepare buckets with water and mopping solution
- Dip mop into water solution. Wring dry and then dip in mopping solution. Wring dry
- Mop the cubicle areas. Rinse the mop
- Mop around the urinals. Rinse the mop
- Mop the common areas starting from far end of the toilet. Mop section by section
8. Inspection
- Check the washroom is in good working condition
- Free of dust, litter and odour
- Waste to be removed and cleaning equipment to be stored
- Update work record
- Remove safety sign when floor is dry
Promoting a culture of Clean Restrooms in Singapore
By the way, did you know that there is a Restroom Association in Singapore? They are advocates in promoting clean toilets and also gives the LOO Award to organisations and individuals who have achieved world recognised standard of restroom cleanliness in Singapore. The NEA also advises public toilet owners to keep their toilets clean and make sure that enough toilet facilities are provided. This encourages proper usage by the public and promote good public health.
Since restrooms are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria and odours, proper cleaning and sanitizing is of utmost importance. Sanitized toilets for Ladies, Gents and the Handicapped are thus a basic expectation.
Conclusion
In order to maintain washroom standards, Cleaning Attendants should be properly trained and certified to perform the task well. In Singapore, certifications are available, one of which is the Environmental Cleaning Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ), developed by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) in consultation with the cleaning industry and National Environment Agency (NEA). Call A1-Cleaning Services as all their cleaners undergo WSQ training, to ensure the highest of standards.