What does good washroom hygiene really look like?

A WASHROOM may look clean, but that does not mean every surface is hygienically safe. Heavily contaminated surfaces lurk in washrooms, with germs found on taps, handles, soap dispensers and airflow dryers.

Layout affects what users touch after washing, so facilities teams should look closely at how the space performs when demand peaks. Someone can wash their hands and then pick up germs from a contaminated surface. This undermines the handwashing process and can contribute to the transmission of germs. Facilities teams should therefore consider the user’s entire visit, as each interaction affects whether that person leaves with clean hands.

Hand hygiene starts with the right soap

Frequent handwashing can be tough on the skin, particularly in workplaces where employees wash their hands throughout the day, so the choice of soap matters. A dermatologically tested, pH-neutral formula can support skin compatibility, while fragrance- and colourant-free options avoid ingredients that are not needed for effective cleansing.

The formula can also help facilities managers make a more informed environmental choice. Choosing products without microplastics and synthetic polymers can reduce their environmental impact, while certifications such as the EU Ecolabel provide a recognised environmental standard.

Hand drying deserves closer attention

There is little point washing hands thoroughly if they are not dried properly. People spend around 10 seconds drying their hands on average, so that short window matters as wet hands can spread germs.

Paper towels can absorb 96% of water from hands within 10 seconds, while almost 60% of the water can remain after airflow drying. Where people are unlikely to spend longer drying their hands, paper towels offer a more effective way to remove moisture.

High-speed airflow can also spread germ-containing droplets onto nearby surfaces. Paper towels create almost no airborne germ-containing droplets, even when hands have not been washed properly, which is particularly relevant where infection prevention is a priority.

Sustainability is an important consideration

Waste can quickly add up across a busy washroom, increasing material use and costs. Hygiene paper made from recycled fibres keeps existing resources in use for longer, reducing reliance on virgin wood-based fibres. When combined with controlled single-sheet dispensing, unnecessary use is reduced, and costs are kept under control.

Used paper towels can also be collected and used for new hygiene paper, rather than becoming waste. Keeping those fibres in circulation supports a more circular approach and reduces waste.

Treat hygiene as a complete system

Good washroom hygiene is not created by one product. The washroom should be treated as a connected system designed around real user behaviour. When every stage works together, it creates better hygiene outcomes and more responsible use of resources.

Ramona Shellard is sales director at WEPA Professional UK

For more information, visit www.satino-by-wepa.com/