When we ask “Why is the toilet dirty?” we trace its origin to many diverse and interrelated toilet issues, including design, behaviour, public health, social graciousness, cleaning skills and methods, building maintenance, accessibility, technologies, public education and even water. These issues are also different in each kind of building e.g. a factory’s toilet serves different visitors than that of a shopping centre, or a school, a hospital, an office and a coffee shop. Regular and proper maintenance is essential for a better toilet environment.

Sequence of Cleaning

General cleaning should be carried out daily and should follow a systematic sequence to avoid areas which have been previously cleaned from becoming wet and soiled again before the cleaning process is completed. The general cleaning should be divided into spot and thorough cleaning. Spot cleaning refers to the process whereby only specific areas are cleaned (i.e. those that are soiled). Thorough cleaning refers to the cleaning of the entire restroom and is usually carried out once a day.

The sequence of cleaning should follow the checklist below:

• Replace all expendable supplies
• Pick up litter and sweep floor
• Clean and sanitize commodes & urinals
• Clean and sanitize basins
• Clean mirrors and polish all bright work
• Spot-clean walls, ledges, vents & partitio
• Wet-mop floors
• Inspect work and correct any errors

An inspection card should be used in the supervising and monitoring of the daily maintenance of the toilet. This card should be placed at the back of the entrance door to the toilet. A copy of the inspection card is shown in next page.

Schedule Cleaning

Scheduled cleaning should be carried out periodically on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis (different surfaces, wares and fittings require different cleaning periods to maintain their cleanliness). Scheduled cleaning should be carried out during off-peak hours to avoid inconveniencing the user. The periodic cleaning schedule should be adopted.

Timing and Frequency of Cleaning

The timing and frequency of cleaning should be determined by the crowd flow.

Cleaning should be done more often during peak hours and less during off-peak hours. Frequency of cleaning is usually determined by expectation and standard of maintenance required by the management of the property and also the budget available for the maintenance of toilets. The frequency of cleaning should vary for different building types. Shopping centres will require more frequent cleaning than condominiums.