One of the most common complaints of washroom users has been odour which indicates the state of the toilets even from a distance. Surveys conclude that it is not just odour but there are many other common problems that can be done away with proper cleaning.
A general poll conducted with facility managers in commercial offices, listed urine odour and visibly dirty floors among the top five common restroom complaints. These can be prevented and minimized through a proper study of the type of occupants using
the restrooms.
Urine Odour
Odour emanating from washrooms are issues directly related to cleaning or, in this case, the lack thereof. Firstly, odours need to be identified before providing any solution. Most often, restroom odours are caused by urine drops on the floor or in the urinals, and also grout that needs to be scrubbed. Some solutions are as simple as putting water in the trap, others might need drip systems in urinals or urinal mats. Some other problems may require odour eliminators or air fresheners.
De-odourizers and air fresheners are used as a general practice to arrest odour. However grout, perhaps the most common cause of odour in restrooms, requires periodic cleaning of floors. Keeping floors scrubbed keep grout and odour away.
Nowadays, customers prefer freshsmelling restrooms and insist on odour control solutions. BSCs in such cases can recommend odour neutralizers that do not irritate or cause allergies to occupants or release to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Visibly Dirty Floors
BSCs agree that dirty floors is one issue that strictly pertains to cleaning quality. Unless occupants have extremely dirty shoes or are spilling substances on the floors on a regular basis, dirty floors are caused due to poor cleaning performance.
As long as agreed-upon frequencies of cleaning are maintained, dirty floors will not be a problem. Periodical deep-cleaning of restrooms with floor machines is also key to keeping grout and tile looking fresh.
Addressing Complaints
Sometimes, the best way to address complaints is to invest in new cleaning equipment, chemicals, fixtures or products. Complaints have to be addressed and solutions come at a cost. While one would look at it as an added expense, when it comes to issues like odour control, one has to take a decision to address the problem and at the same time, for long term benefits.
Getting to know customers and being their trusted advisors will put things in perspective; mandating managers and janitors to handle complaints quickly and correctly ensures minimal problems.
The bottom line is that one needs to be prudent in the cleaning methods, systems and programmes using the right products to facilitate quality results.
Hiren Modi MD- Klinox Marketing
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