The design of public spaces, such as restrooms, plays a key role in ensuring effective cleaning and long-term durability. All too often, original and aesthetically pleasing design choices make day-to-day cleaning and maintenance costly and laborious, compromising the cleanliness and hygiene of these spaces. Through numerous audits performed to assess the quality of cleanliness and cleaning practices, we have identified several types of design elements to avoid and alternative solutions to ensure that public spaces are not only beautiful but also easy to maintain.

Avoid porous surfaces

Porous surfaces, whether floors, walls or countertops, are breeding grounds for bacteria and dirt. Materials such as marble, untreated granite and unsealed concrete easily absorb liquids, stains and contaminants, making them difficult and costly to clean.

Instead, opt for non-porous materials such as vitrified ceramics, tempered glass, and stainless metals. These materials prevent the absorption of liquids and can be cleaned with standard disinfectants without damaging the surface. They also remain true to their original appearance for longer, reducing the need for frequent renovation.

Choose resilient flooring

Resilient floors are an ideal option for public spaces because of their durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to high-traffic wear and tear. Unlike porous floors, which absorb liquids and dirt, resilient floors such as vinyl, linoleum, and rubber prevent the infiltration of contaminants.

Porous floors, such as untreated natural stone or rough concrete, may be good-looking, but they raise serious hygiene concerns. They require regular application of chemical sealers to prevent stains and infiltration, which drives up maintenance costs. Resilient floors, on the other hand, offer a non-porous surface which can be easily cleaned without the excessive use of chemical cleaning products, making them particularly suitable for high-traffic areas such as public restrooms.

Avoid acoustic wall panels

Although they’re a beautiful feature, they’re a real headache for cleaning crews! Horizontal slats, whether made of wood, metal or plastic, easily collect dust, allergens, and debris. As eye-catching design elements, they require regular dusting and meticulous cleaning to maintain a clean appearance, increasing the workload for maintenance crews.

Stay away from fabric cushions

Fabric cushions, while comfortable and pleasing to the eye in places like offices and lobbies, are often difficult to maintain, especially in public environments where dirt and spills are common. Fabrics absorb liquids, odours and all sorts of contaminants that are not necessarily visible! Therefore, they should be treated with water-repellent products and cleaned frequently to remain hygienic.

For durable and much easier-to-maintain alternatives, materials such as synthetic leather or vinyl are recommended. These non-porous materials resist staining and can be quickly cleaned with a simple disinfectant. They also retain their appearance and functionality longer than traditional fabrics.

Avoid ceramic mosaics under hand dryers

Ceramic mosaics are elegant, but they present considerable maintenance challenges, especially under hand dryers where water and soap residues collect in the joints. These areas quickly become critical spots for dirt and mould, requiring frequent and intense cleaning to remain hygienic.

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A practical solution to this issue is to install a stainless-steel plate under the dryers, which offers a non-porous material that resists water and is easy to clean. It protects walls from water splashes and soap residues, minimizing the frequency of scouring ceramic tiles and joints. What’s more, it offers a smooth, glossy surface that adds a modern yet timeless touch to the space.

Facilitate access to dispensers

In many public spaces, the design of countertops makes it difficult for cleaning staff to reach soap dispensers for refill purposes. These uncluttered counters force employees to bend or even lie on the floor to reach the soap bottles, which is not only inefficient but also uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

To remedy this situation, it’s best to design counters with easy access to soap dispensers. This can be achieved by installing integrated dispensers or open niches under counters, allowing easy access for employees. In addition, the use of wall-mounted automatic soap dispensers reduces the need to handle soap bottles manually, improving efficiency and hygiene.

Focus on sustainability

As more and more organizations commit to reducing their environmental impact, it’s important not only to prioritize the choice of sustainable materials, but also to include consideration of the impact design can have on the organization and logistics of cleaning operations.

By avoiding porous surfaces and horizontal slat wall features, eliminating ceramic mosaics under hand dryers, and by facilitating access to soap dispensers, designers can create public spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, ecological and cost-effective to maintain.

By applying these design concepts, we aim to improve the efficiency of housekeeping operations and ensure clean, safe public spaces for all users

Karl Bédard is the Senior Director at ValkarTech, a consulting firm dedicated to optimizing commercial cleaning contracts. As an experienced LEED Green Associates certified auditor, he conducts many building visits and evaluates customers’ various processes.  His recommendations are always aimed at improving cleaning quality and productivity while minimizing costs

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