Ways To Help Combat Spread of Germs In Commercial Bathroom Renovations

Now more than ever, companies and businesses have realised how important it is to do their part to help stop the spread of bacteria and viruses, especially in public places. Buildings like malls, shopping centres, hotels, and restaurants are high traffic areas, and, no matter how vigilant the cleaning staff may be, an ill-equipped bathroom can be a breeding ground for germs that are able to survive on surfaces for hours or days at a time.

What’s worse, a dated or poorly cleaned bathroom will turn customers off and may reflect poorly on your business and brand. Luckily, technology has helped bathrooms automate in many ways that help individuals come into contact with fewer surfaces, and make cleaning much easier and more effective. 

Renovation ideas that will improve public bathroom hygiene

When renovating a bathroom that will be subject to high traffic, there are many things you can put in place now that will not only keep germs at bay but can even help your business save money in the long run.

Installation of sensor taps and flushing mechanisms

Traditionally, those using the bathroom would need to come into contact with a number of surfaces, from door handles to toilets, to sink taps. By choosing bathroom fixtures that are sensor-driven, individuals lessen the number of surfaces they need to come into contact with. When renovating a high traffic bathroom in places like shopping centres or hotels, it makes sense to install fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and soap dispensers that have sensors so there are less communal items to touch. The best part: they also require less energy and help conserve water as well!

Choosing wall-hung toilets

A full public bathroom renovation should include the addition of wall-hung toilets. By mounting toilets on the wall, the entire surface of the floor is visible and accessible, making it easier to clean. That means conditions in the bathroom will remain more hygienic over time, and no moisture will pool around the base of the toilet – which means less mould/mildew build-up and less odour.

Hand drying options

Older bathrooms typically come equipped with paper hand towel dispensers. This not only encourages far too much unnecessary consumption of paper, but it can also lead to a bathroom looking untidy (if paper is strewn across the floor by individuals, or if wastebaskets are allowed to overflow). By replacing hand towel dispensers with hand dryers, you are reducing the amount of waste the bathroom produces and curbing the spread of germs by removing one more item a person needs to touch in the bathroom. 

Passive Infra-Red Sensor Lighting

Passive Infra-Red sensor lighting, or PIR, is an effective lighting mechanism that also saves on energy costs while yet again removing a surface area (the light switch) that collects bacteria and viruses from repeated touching. By installing PIR lighting, the bathroom will be illuminated only when in use. It’s a great way to reduce electricity costs while also reducing germs.

Opt for wall and floor cladding over tiles and grout

Grout is a breeding ground for bacteria and mould due to its porous nature. While large-format tiles will help reduce grout lines, an even more effective material for high traffic bathroom walls and floors is Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) and anti-slip safety grade flooring. These materials not only remove the need for germ-loving grout, but they also make cleanup a breeze. With a variety of styles, colours, and finishes to choose from, you also never have to sacrifice style for function.

Use Higher End Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout has become more and more popular among tile contractors and builders. Unlike cement grout, which is made from a cementitious powder mix, epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. The grout is extremely durable and almost completely stain-proof. Regular grout isn’t waterproof, so unlike epoxy grout, it can absorb water when it’s wet and stain easily. If you’re tired of scrubbing the gunk off your grout, epoxy grout could be your solution.

Epoxy grout is made from two different resins mixed with a filler, making it very waterproof and better suited to harsher cleaning products. Epoxy thin sets offer greater bond strength and chemical resistance than cementitious grouts.

Crystal Bathrooms: the experts in zero-touch bathroom installations

If your business needs a bathroom designed with zero-touch functionality in mind, you’ve come to the right place. We have the latest bathroom technologies that make designing high-traffic commercial bathrooms a breeze with effective solutions that are not just sleek and modern but also efficient and functional. 

When you’re ready for a commercial bathroom renovation, we’re here to help. Contact us today.