Daniel Took, Head of Professional Product Marketing at Kärcher UK discusses the importance of looking beyond a checklist when it comes to cleaning commercial bathrooms to eliminate harmful bacteria that can build up over time.

Covid-19 has shone the light on germ prone areas, placing a greater emphasis on the cleanliness of commercial bathrooms and washroom facilities and thus demand on facilities managers to tackle dirt, grime, and bacteria build-up. As high frequent areas, commercial bathrooms can be used by hundreds if not thousands of people daily, potentially spreading germs and infection.

High touch-point areas

Changing rooms, sanitary areas and public toilets are frequented by many people making them prone to the spread of germs and infection. Moisture and heat in these environments along with organic substances such as flakes of skin and hair aid the growth of microorganisms, creating a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. 

Regular cleaning of high touch point areas in line with facility regulations is a must. Toilet lids and seats should be treated with an all-purpose alcohol based cleaner, as acids can dissolve dye pigments and leave stains. Furniture such as benches and coat racks which come into regular contact with skin should be scrubbed using a light alkaline cleaning agent or everyday cleaner, then rinsed and dried with a cleaning cloth. Doors, door frames and separating walls should also be cleaned with all-purpose or alcohol-based cleaner using scratch-free pad sponges. Left unmaintained, microorganisms will be allowed to thrive and multiply on these surfaces. It is advised that different colour cloths are used for different areas when cleaning multiple surfaces and spaces to avoid cross-contamination. For instance, a red cloth can be used for the bathroom, blue for general surfaces, green for food, etc.

Fittings

When it comes to cleaning taps, shower heads and mixing valves, it is important to use a limescale-dissolving cleaning agent, typically citric acid and/or amidosulphuric acid, that is effective and will not damage the fittings. To help prevent long-term damage, the cleaning agent should be applied to a non-abrasive cleaning cloth or pad sponge (white pad) rather than being sprayed directly onto fittings. This will help to avoid scratches and applies also to cleaning mirrored surfaces. After application, the acidic cleaning agent should also be rinsed thoroughly to prevent permanent damage to the fitting or unwanted physical damage to any of the bathroom’s users.

Tiles

Washrooms, in particular, are typically tiled from floor to ceiling and need to be cleaned with an acidic deep cleaner and rinsed with clean water. Wall tiles can be scrubbed with a green manual pad, to assist with the removal of dirt and oils. For a professional finish, the tiles should be wiped with a rubber squeegee after rinsing.

The removal of black mould build-up in crevices and grouting can only be achieved with the use of hydrogen peroxide. To maintain a safe environment for users, after treatment it must be rinsed with plenty of clear water to remove any excess cleaning agent.  

For large surfaces, a high-pressure cleaner on cold operation with a foam device attachment is an economical solution for a quicker cleaning time. During this process, stubborn lime deposits should be treated manually with products containing phosphoric acid using a green manual pad.

Flooring

When it comes to highly textured, slip-resistant floor that often features in bathrooms and washrooms, a roller scrubber dryer can be more effective than manual cleaning. Kärcher’s BR 30/4 C BP scrubber dryer uses a high-speed roller brush which has ten times the contact pressure of a conventional mop and is suitable for cleaning structured surfaces and joints. The backwards and forwards motion of the soft rubber squeegees removes moisture resulting in an intensive high-quality clean. The machine’s light, compact design is also battery powered which means no loose cables creating trip hazards or the need for a power source. The use of battery power helps to keep noise to a minimum allowing it to be used during the day despite traffic from guests. The BR 30/4 C BP can be used with the addition of the acidic Deep Cleaner RM 751 (pH value 0.7, dosage 5-25%)* in the two-step method and then rinsed with clear water for best results. 

Disinfect

Once surfaces such as tiles, flooring and high touch-point areas have been thoroughly cleaned, it is imperative that they are then disinfected. Using a misting machine will boost productivity by allowing the user to achieve an even coverage as they use a spray gun under pressure. Portable spray misting machines, such as the Kärcher ES 1/7 Bp P allows for the disinfection of hard-to-reach nooks and crannies that cannot be reached easily using a cloth using a manual hand to surface process. The cordless, handheld sprayer has an electrostatic function, specially designed for use with the RM 735 disinfectant that allows for contactless disinfection to keep the user safe whilst maintaining the bathroom for future users.

The cleaning measures detailed here are effective for ensuring that commercial bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, wellness areas and saunas or fitness facilities remain clean and hygienic for users all year round. With health and hygiene so paramount, the cleaning of washrooms requires specialist cleaning techniques to ensure the wellbeing of visitors is protected alongside the reputation of the facility. 

Important notes: sanitary cleaners must be used as directed and in accordance with accident prevention guidelines. This means wearing protective gloves and eye protection if necessary. Never mix cleaning agents, pay attention to the prescribed dosage, do not use warm or very hot water and rinse well with clear water. Detergent should be added to water rather than the other way around.