How to Keep Restrooms
from Becoming
Cross-Contamination Hot
Zones
Introduction
You will learn the “why’s” and “how’s” of
restroom cleaning
 Learn some basic microbiology as it
relates to disease transmission
 Sell your customers (internal and external)
on the benefits of clean & sanitary
restrooms
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Agenda
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“Bill of Rights” for restroom users
Hands-free is worry-free
Why restroom sanitizing is important
The “dirt” on unsanitary restrooms-some basic
microbiology
Choosing the right disinfectant
Best practices in restroom sanitation
Selling “CLEAN and SANITARY”
Questions & Answers
Overview

A properly designed restroom, a comprehensive
cleaning program and the use of best practices can
reduce the potential for cross-contamination
throughout a restroom
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The topics fit together
like pieces of a puzzle
tools
pla
n
training
Why?
Design
Clea
n
SAFE
barrie
rs
SALE!
Vocabulary
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Glossary of terms
Clean
Sanitary
Disinfectant
Hot zones
Cross-contamination
Design for maintainability
“BILL of RIGHTS” for restroom
users
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Not to be grossed out
Handicapped accessible
Well lighted
Clean and fresh smelling
Free of graffiti
Adequate supplies
Not to get a disease
The “Best Seat in the House”
Hands-free is Worry-free
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Toilets and urinal flushers
Rotating toilet seat cover
Soap dispensers/hand sanitizers
Faucets
Paper towels v. Electric Blowers
Trash cans
Doors: Sprayers, openers or none
Sanitary napkin disposal
restroom cleaning-pressure washers
Why restroom sanitizing is
important
Reduces the possibility of crosscontamination from user to user
 Reduced absenteeism
 Perception of building’s cleanliness
 Minimize complaints from building
occupants
 Increased morale
 Greater productivity
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The “dirt” on unsanitary
restrooms-some basic
microbiology
 50% of public’s complaints-dirty restrooms
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Public awareness of disease transmission as it
relates to unsanitary conditions in restrooms
Cross-contamination “hot zones”
What’s that growing in the grout?
The toilet plume-”I study toilets-that takes guts.”
Charles P. Gerba (aka Dr. Germ)
Where do ladies put a purse?
The role of decaying bacteria and odors
The “dirt” on unsanitary
restrooms-some basic
microbiology
(continued)
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Remove biofilm
Germs-don’t feed ‘em, don’t move ‘em
Remove germs rather than kill them
Get microbiologist-vision!
1.
2.
3.
4.
Non-porous
High touch
Moisture
Air vent cleaning
Choosing the Right Disinfectant
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Definition of disinfectant
Read the label
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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EPA registration
Dwell or contact time
Organic load
Water hardness
Dilution rate
Target organisms
Universal precautions
Choosing the Right Disinfectant
(CONTINUED)
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Sterilants, disinfectants, sanitizers…oh my!
Profiling Disinfectant Types
1. Household bleach
2. Phenolics
3. Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)
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OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Bacteria becoming resistant to disinfectants?
Green disinfectants?
Best Practices in Restroom
Sanitation
Establish a “Standard of Appearance” for
restrooms
 Cleaning is a process with clearly-defined
steps
 Choose the right cleaning chemicals
 Train employees on the importance of
cleaning for health, not appearance
 Remove graffiti as soon as it appears
 Floor scrubbing
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Best Practices in Restroom
Sanitation
(CONTINUED)
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High pressure washers
Vapor Cleaning
Install the largest dispensing system possible
Get rid of refillable soap dispensers
Buy the best quality paper goods and soap your
budget will allow
Provide sanitizing wipes
Service the restroom often
Don’t use “Cleaning Schedule”on the restroom
door
Selling “CLEAN and SANITARY”
By reducing or eliminating crosscontamination, an employer or building
owner will:
 Meet customer expectations
 Improve employee retention
 Improve morale
 Improve attendance
 Improve occupancy rates
Summary
Lessons learned
 How will you apply what you have
learned?
 Questions?
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Where to Get More Information
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“Microbiology for Cleaning Workers Simplified”
by John Walker, ManageMen, Inc.
“Frugalisms: Creative Ideas on Leadership in
Facilities and Housekeeping Operations”, by
Alan and Linda Bigger, an I.E.H.A., Inc.
publication
“Infection Control for Dummies”, by J. Darrel
Hicks, an I.E.H.A. publication
Consulting services by J. Darrel Hicks, BA,
REH, CHESP