It is common knowledge that public restrooms aren’t usually the highlight of your visit to any store, restaurant, or park. So, how do you create a restroom that ensures a smooth user experience whilst maintaining excellent hygiene standards? Start with a list of needs.
Public restrooms are supposed to stand the test of time, and high-quality fixtures are fundamental here. Every hardware choice you make plays a significant role in driving the overall user experience.
So, here is a comprehensive guide to choosing equipment for public restrooms.
1. Touchless Toilets
Opt for touchless toilets to minimize contact and maximize safety! Sensor-activated toilets are must-haves for preventing and controlling the spread of infections in frequently used bathrooms.
Stepping into the future of public restrooms, touchless toilets are the most hygienic and easy-to-use option available. Automatic flush valves are installed in public urinals to enable contactless operation. Touchless wall-mounted toilets even come with operating plates that activate flush automatically, and you don’t have to use your hands.
A Western floor-mounted touchless toilet caters to those with reduced mobility such as the elderly. Moreover, make sure you choose ADA-compliant models to accommodate the needs of the differently abled. By choosing touchless toilets for public restrooms, you are inching closer to meeting the increased hygiene demands of the present age.
2. Sinks and Faucets
In recent times, water conservation has gained prominence due to green activism. Opting for water-efficient sinks and faucets can support this goal and reduce operational costs. And no, you don’t have to compromise on looks for sustainability.
Sinks, whether porcelain or stainless steel, come in different sizes and shapes. In faucets, touchless and sensor-activated models can keep harmful germs at bay. Along with hygiene, commercial washroom design should prioritize aesthetics. So, see that every element is in harmony and style.
Installing the faucets at the right height is crucial for the restroom’s functionality. Being a critical part of public restrooms, your choice of sinks and faucets should primarily depend on three factors—durability, capability to manage high traffic, and ease of maintenance.
3. Drainage and Ventilation
Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can be bestowed with the “heroes” title when discussing washroom equipment. Similarly, drainage and ventilation systems are the BTS (behind-the-scenes) champions.
A smart ventilation system and robust drainage infrastructure are important to preserve public health and promote hygiene.
A full-functioning mechanical ventilation system with a ceiling exhaust fan guides the indoor air to the outside and maintains freshness. Natural vents, on the other hand, are a promising choice if you are leaning towards the energy-conservation side.
A reliable drainage system means that the interiors remain optimal and pristine. Efficient cleaning can be accomplished by integrating pipes, open channels, floor drains, and vents that carry wastewater to the disposal area.
Incorporating optimal drainage and ventilation designs will guarantee efficient cleaning. Combining that with consistent maintenance can keep public restrooms debris-free and odorless.
4. Accessories
What makes public restrooms user-friendly? Accessories that promote efficiency and hygiene!
Bathroom accessories can make or break the design of high-traffic commercial restrooms. While designing and installing a new bathroom, one must always take into account the spacing required to fit in the required accessories. So, always ensure they are easy to stock and easy to use. Now, let’s take a peek at a few accessories that provide the finishing touch required for functionality and comfort.
Hand dryers
Even though paper towels are quite hygienic, the waste they generate and the incorrect disposal methods are a major concern in commercial restrooms. As a practical solution to this, hand dryers have become the epitome of hand-drying hygiene!
When choosing a hand dryer for commercial purposes, explore the market to find energy-efficient options with quick drying time and low noise.
Soap Dispenser
If you’re renovating your home washroom, installing a lotion dispenser is cool because nothing else screams luxury and sophistication like it does. But is this a good accessory for a public restroom? Probably not. This is where soap dispensers shine. Despite bringing relatively less charm to the space than lotion dispensers, they are practical and cost-effective. Moreover, they get the job done! Therefore, automatic (hands-free and motion-sensor) soap dispensers are a must.
Fresheners
Turning an “uh-oh moment” into “ahh, much better,” fresheners maintain a pleasant and inviting ambiance in public restrooms. Keeping in mind practicality and long-lasting hygiene, you can go for a motion-sensor air freshener, a gel-based air freshener, or an odor neutralizer. With these in charge of clean fragrances, you no longer have to scrunch your nose at an unwelcome scent!
Conclusion
Building commercial restrooms requires careful attention to detail. From choosing the perfect tile color to picking the right equipment, a well-thought-out design is non-negotiable.
So, whether you’re planning to start from scratch, upgrade the equipment, or give that old restroom a facelift, remember to focus on more than just picking out the basics!