When it comes to nipping odor-causing bacteria in the bud, restroom surfaces should be disinfected on a daily basis. So it’s important that cleaning personnel understand how to properly use disinfectant cleaners. Janitors must make sure that disinfectants are applied to contact points in restrooms and are allowed the adequate dwell time according to the product’s label. Simply spraying and wiping a disinfectant solution off will not effectively kill odor-causing bacteria. Counter tops, toilets, light switches, door handles and soap and towel dispensers should be given the most attention in the restroom.

Urine odors can be combated by cleaning and keeping the insides of toilets and urinals free of scale and hard water stains, which can harbor bacteria. Cleaning personnel should use mild acid cleaners or non-acid cleaners in conjunction with a pumice stick to remove any odor causing build-ups.

Wet mopping the floor with a disinfectant cleaner is also recommended to clean floor grout as puddles of urine are commonly found under urinals, which may sit on the floor for up to 24 hours before it is cleaned. This allows the urine to soak into the grout and begin causing odors.

In general, daily restroom cleaning with disinfectants and the application of an odor counteractant will quash many odor problems. But for those restrooms that continue to have odor troubles, heavy-duty cleaning of grout, walls and ceilings using a neutralizer, applying disinfectants and enzymes, as well as using a combination of odor control devices might be required to get to the root of the problem.


posted on 10/14/2009