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If cleanliness is next to godliness, then a negative restroom experience really can be hell. Dirty surfaces, broken fixtures, vandalized partitions, empty dispensers, and lingering odors can make users want to turn and run.
A poorly maintained restroom leaves a lasting impression and often conveys to tenants, staff, customers, and visitors that building management simply doesn't care. "Problems in the restroom are one of the things that building owners/operators will get the most complaints [about]," says Richard Thorne, director of the washroom business, North America, KimberlyClark Professional, Roswell, GA.
Clean restrooms that function well result in less headaches and more-satisfied users - a win-win for everyone. "A washroom that is planned to meet the occupancy use and the type of individuals that are using the washroom does a number of things: It is easier to maintain, it looks better, and it portrays a better building image," says Dennis Redman, marketing manager, Bobrick Washroom Equipment Inc., North Hollywood, CA.
Selecting appropriate washroom accessories can remedy many restroom-related complaints. In addition to weighing preferences for environmentally friendly products and hands-free dispensing systems, you should keep the following in mind as you outfit new or existing restrooms with new technology, consumables (toilet paper, paper towels, soap, etc.), and dispensing systems.
Image
It's important that your facility's washrooms project the same image as the rest of the building and business. In environments where prestige is important, aesthetics are a major determinant during the procurement of washroom accessories. Facilities management professionals are less concerned about vandal resistance and price when image is on the line.
Luxury finishes such as granite and marble are common. For toilet partitions and paper-dispensing systems, it's hard to match the beauty of stainless steel.
For handwashing, counter-mounted soap-dispensing systems are preferable. Because the reservoir of soap remains hidden underneath the vanity, the discreet design of counter-mounted dispensers makes them the frontrunner in high-end restrooms.
Avoid the industrial look that bulky toilet-paper-dispensing systems can lend; single-roll toilet tissue is ideal. "In a prestigious environment, you want toilet-paper dispensers that are very similar to what you have at home or you might find in a nice hotel," says Redman. If capacity is a concern, install a dispenser with two single rolls, or use coreless tissue.
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