In a post-Covid world, maintaining hygiene standards is more important than ever, particularly in public spaces. Commercial washrooms play a crucial role in maintaining the overall hygiene of high-traffic environments, which has led to a demand for innovation in washroom accessories. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest hygiene innovations, and how touch-free commercial washroom accessories can enhance user experience and make these spaces safer for all.
Whilst many businesses continue to opt for manual dispensers due to their typically lower upfront costs or where a more traditional design is favoured, there has been a significant rise in demand for hands-free technology. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have become aware of the importance of hygiene, so have favoured minimal contact, particularly in commercial washrooms where traffic is high. The demand for touch-free dispensers is also likely to have risen due to increasing cost-management and waste reduction initiatives, with many hands-free systems helping to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Hands-free technology refers to electronic parts or accessories that don’t require any physical touch to operate them. These systems can be activated through motion sensors, proximity sensors or even sound, ensuring that users can interact with the dispensers hygienically.
One of the primary advantages of touchless washroom accessories is their ability to minimise physical contact, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Although every business should consider whether touchless dispensers are right for them, it’s particularly important for sectors where reduction of bacteria transmission is paramount. For instance, care homes, home for more vulnerable people, including the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems. As such, good hygiene practices are critical for minimising the spread of germs and lowering the risk of infection.
Beyond the hygiene benefits, touchless washroom accessories can offer an improved user experience. Sensor-activated hand dryers and no-touch soap dispensers add convenience, making washroom visits in high-traffic areas more efficient and contributing to a more pleasant and seamless experience for all
Transmission of viruses and bacteria through the hands is the second most common source of infections after respiratory infections. For this reason, automatic soap dispensers can offer an additional level of protection and hygiene for your staff and visitors.
The Dudley Industries touch free stainless steel hand soap dispenser uses infra infra-red sensor technology to detect the palm of the hand under the unit, to support effective hand hygiene. This soap system is also lockable to prevent access to the mechanism or pilfering of the soap contained within, making it an ideal addition to your high-traffic washroom.
Even if you provide methods of hand drying other than paper towels, a waste bin is still an essential addition to the washroom. They can keep your environment clean and tidy, but also encourage users to dispose of rubbish correctly, helping to avoid items being flushed down the toilet, including tissues and wipes, which can cause expensive plumbing issues.
Bin lids are frequently touched by users, making them a common point of contact for germs, bacteria and viruses. After washing or drying your hands, touching a bin lid can reintroduce bacteria onto clean hands. This cross-contamination can increase the risk of spreading infections. Opt for an open top waste bin that will ensure waste can be placed into it without users having to touch the surface.
Still unsure what’s right for you? Here’s how to choose the right commercial waste bin.
Protect your team and visitors and encourage effective hand hygiene by placing hand sanitising stations around your premises. A foot pedal operated dispenser is an excellent way of improving hand hygiene, whilst avoiding users having to touch the dispenser itself.
Another essential touch free innovation in commercial washrooms is the electric hand dryer. These dryers, typically activated by motion sensors, eliminate the need for physical buttons, further reducing the risk of germ transmission. Touchless hand dryers are highly efficient, offering fast drying times that improve user experience and reduce wait times in busy washrooms.
However, when it comes to equipping washrooms, there is an ever ongoing debate as to whether hand dryers or paper towels are the best decision. To help you out, we’ve put together a guide which outlines key factors to consider when choosing between hand dryers vs paper towel dispensers. The most important factor in hand hygiene remains the act of washing hands thoroughly in the first place.
As you can see, by reducing the spread of germs, enhancing the user experience and providing efficiency and cost saving, touchless commercial bathroom accessories can help businesses create cleaner, safer and more efficient washroom environments.
Whether you favour touch-free or other dispensers, it’s crucial that you prioritise hygiene to create a space that protects and caters to all. Browse our vast range of commercial washroom accessories or get in touch to find out more.