A few months back, we talked about smells in the office. And we didn’t mention toilets, because… well, toilets are gross.
But we’re a pretty tough bunch, and it’s not like we’re afraid of them or anything – in fact, we clean toilets every day and it’s no big deal. It’s more about the conversation.
You see, we all need toilets. We all know what goes on in there. But talking about it? Yikes.
The thing is, we wouldn’t be very good office cleaners if we didn’t know anything about toilets. And we want you all to know how good we really are. So naturally, at some point, toilets were going to, um… rear their heads.
In an effort to keep things as classy as possible, we’ll spare you the horror stories and get down to the important stuff: how to keep the porcelain factory fresh, dealing with smells, and making office toilets nicer places for everyone.
So, hold tight – we’re going in (not literally, of course).
The types of office toilets
There are two main types of toilet we find in an office: communal spaces in purpose-built offices with large teams, and single toilets – like those at home – in converted or smaller office units.
Sometimes there are urinals, sometimes only cubicles.
Despite being larger, purpose-built toilet blocks are generally easier to clean. There’s in-floor drainage, large solid surfaces, very little to dust and no pipework to contend with. Large blocks tend to have urinals, and it should go without saying why those are easier to clean.
Single toilets are a bit tougher, because they’re almost always an adaptation to a need rather than built for purpose. Nooks, crannies, weird little dust-collecting additions… We’ve seen our fair share! But, they usually receive a lot less use – and so, don’t usually need to be cleaned as often as a toilet block, which normally requires regular cleans throughout the day in a large commercial office.
Your office cleaning schedule for the toilet depends on your team size, toilet size and general use. As a guide, a single toilet serving a small team could only need a weekly clean – but a block of cubicles might need to be cleaned several times a day, particularly in a busy, all-hours office.
What do professionals use to clean a toilet?
Professionals typically use cleaning products similar to household cleaners. Usually, they look different and have industrial packaging and labelling; but they do the same thing. To prevent calcium and limescale on toilets, sinks and around taps, a decalcifier is used – sometimes vinegar.
A general disinfectant, like bleach, is also used by office cleaners, to ensure germs are dealt with. This is applied to toilets and common surfaces.
A toilet brush is standard equipment, but for tough stains (don’t worry, we’re talking about limescale here!), a pumice stone can be used once the decalcifier has gotten to work. A pumice is very abrasive but much softer than porcelain, so it won’t scuff like wire wool can.
Another thing a pro office cleaner might use is paper towels. They’re disposable, and so won’t contaminate like a sponge or cloth, so they can be used for the mucky work without spreading germs.
Technique varies between office cleaners, but they’re always fast. They know the right order to apply cleaning products, and make each clean as efficient as possible. Usually, the limescale removers go on first, while other surfaces are cleaned and disinfected – then the toilet gets a scrub and disinfect, before giving everything a once over with paper towels, for a final clean and dry.
Waste disposal
It’s important to dispose of rubbish from toilets properly. Often, toilets are used for taking insulin, and changing sanitary products – and the waste needs to be treated carefully.
Make sure your office toilets have safe disposal units and bins, and encourage staff to use the proper bins when needed.
Office cleaners should always take extra care around toilet waste, as there can be sharps. Make sure to use the appropriate bags and warning labels, too.
How to stop odours
Okay – let’s just get it out in the open. Toilets are smelly, because that’s where our business goes. It’s unavoidable. But we can limit the fallout with air fresheners and good ventilation.
Toilets with windows are the easiest to air out, and when they’re regularly cleaned, smell buildup is usually avoided. But sometimes, the smell can seem to linger on. It could be the sign of a leak – so some smells are definitely worth investigating!
As a general rule, you should be able to keep odours at bay with these methods:
- Install automatic air fresheners,
- Empty the bins – taking special care,
- Clean regularly; consider using scented cleaning products,
- Ventilation; make sure windows can be opened and vents are clear.
Leave it to the professionals – hire office cleaners
The Abbey Cleaning Service is a seasoned team of professional office cleaners – and no strangers to cleaning office toilets. Call 029 2067 9323 today – and find out how we can clean every corner of your office, with minimal disruption to your business.
