Why dry air care is the future of better washrooms

TODAY'S WASHROOMS are expected to do far more than simply look clean. They are increasingly viewed as a reflection of an organisation's commitment to hygiene, environmental responsibility and user wellbeing.

Visitors form an impression within moments of entering a washroom, judging everything from cleanliness and odour control to the condition of fixtures and floors. For cleaning and facilities professionals, maintaining consistently high standards while meeting sustainability goals has become a defining challenge.

Contamination causes

Creating hygienic washrooms starts by addressing the causes of contamination rather than simply treating the symptoms. Effective cleaning regimes remain essential, but the products installed within the washroom also play a significant role in supporting hygiene between scheduled cleans. By helping to minimise contamination, reduce cleaning demands and maintain a fresher environment, modern washroom products can contribute to higher hygiene standards while improving operational efficiency.

One of the most persistent hygiene issues in male washrooms is urinal splashback. Beyond being unpleasant for users, splashback spreads microscopic droplets onto surrounding floors, walls and fixtures, increasing the need for cleaning and contributing to persistent odours. Products that are specifically designed to reduce splashback help contain contamination at source, keeping surrounding areas cleaner for longer and supporting a more hygienic washroom environment. This not only improves the userexperience but also enables cleaning teams to focus their time more effectively.

Changing expectations 

Air care has also evolved in response to changing expectations around hygiene and indoor environments. While aerosols and liquid fragrance systems continue to have applications, many facilities managers are increasingly looking towards dry fragrance technology as part of a cleaner and more sustainable approach. Dry fragrance systems eliminate the risk of leaks, spills and sticky residues that can create additional cleaning tasks or even slip hazards. They also avoid atomising liquids into the air and are generally lower in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while being free from solvents commonly found in some aerosol formulations, such as acetone. The result is effective odour control delivered through a cleaner, lower-maintenance solution.

Sustainability is now inseparable from modern cleaning practices. Organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate that hygiene standards can be achieved without generating unnecessary waste or placing additional pressure on the environment. Procurement decisions are no longer based solely on performance and cost; they also consider recyclability, material selection and product lifecycle.

For manufacturers, this means designing products with circularity in mind. At P-Wave, all dry fragrance refills are recyclable where facilities exist, helping teams make more considered choices when managing washroom waste. Small improvements made across thousands of washrooms can collectively deliver significant environmental benefits, making recycling an integral part of sustainable cleaning strategies.

Attention is also turning to products that have traditionally been difficult to recycle. Urinal mats are essential for maintaining hygiene and reducing splashback, but their disposal has presented environmental challenges. Recognising this, P-Wave has incorporated EcoPureinto its urinal mats. The additive has undergone long-term independent testing since 2019, with results showing up to 90% biodegradation under landfill conditions over a seven-year period. While reducing waste remains the priority, improving the end-of-life performance of essential hygiene products represents another important step towards more sustainable washroom management.

The future of washroom hygiene 

The future of cleaning is about balancing hygiene performance with environmental responsibility. Products must continue to deliver effective odour control, minimisecontamination and support efficient cleaning, while also helping organisations reduce waste and improve sustainability credentials. Solutions that combine durable performance with recyclable components and improved end-of-life outcomes demonstrate that these objectives can work together rather than compete.

Washrooms can also contribute to wider public wellbeing. P-Wave's NHS Cancer Awareness partnership demonstrates how everyday hygiene products can provide valuable public health messaging without compromising their primary purpose. Urinal mats offer a unique communication opportunity, allowing organisations to raise awareness of important health issues while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

As expectations continue to rise, the future of washroom care will be defined by products that support cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environments. By focusing on hygiene, embracing sustainable cleaning practices and prioritising recycling and responsible product design, facilities managers can create washrooms that not only meet today's standards but are prepared for tomorrow's environmental and operational challenges.

Mark Wintle is brand manager at P-Wave 

For more information, visit https://www.p-wave.co.uk