The task of professionally cleaning washrooms is the most important housekeeping responsibility in a facility.  People silently judge the entire building by the appearance of the washrooms.  An outwardly neat appearance is not, however, evidence that a washroom has been thoroughly cleaned.  Washrooms are an excellent breeding ground for germs, and the housekeeping management team must be knowledgeable in determining the best methods of destroying these odor-causing and disease-carrying germs.

Professional housekeeping employees who are aware of the rate at which germs reproduce themselves will realize the importance of disinfecting washrooms.  One germ can divide and become two germs in 20 minutes.  At this rate, in the twelve hours between the arrival of the night shift at 8 p.m. and the arrival of the day shift at 8 a.m., one germ can produce around 64,000,000,000 germs!  Germs thrive in warm, moist places such as human body waste and body oils. Sinks, toilets, urinals, ceramic floors-these provide germs with an optimal environment.

Germs can never be totally eliminated from washrooms.  According to public Health Standards, a public washroom is considered safe if 50% of the germs are killed.  Sterilization refers to killing close to 100% of all germs present, but this process is not necessary or achievable in most public washrooms-the exception being areas used for specialized health care.

A disinfectant is a cleaning agent, which can kill germs.  The most effective weapon in killing germs is the quaternary (quat"), disinfectant.  "Quats" have a mild odor, are much less toxic than other products, and will not stain surfaces.

Washroom odor is evidence of the presence of germs.  Primary locations for these germs to take up residence are under the rims of urinals and toilet bowls, around plumbing fixtures and in the porous grouting of ceramic tile floors.  Most deodorants sprayed or placed in a washroom only cover up these odors, but they will not make the washroom safer and more sanitary because they do not kill the germs that cause the odors.

Another common mistake is using abrasive powdered cleaners on toilets, urinals, and sinks. The abrasive action scratches the surface, causing small crevices in the porcelain providing other areas for germs to grow and soil to accumulate.  This also causes permanent damage to the porcelain.

Products containing hydrochloric acid present other dangers and hazard both to the washroom plumbing as well as to the housekeeping personnel.  Damage to polished chrome fixtures by the use of products containing hydrochloric acid creates an unsightly appearance and opens new breeding grounds for bacteria.  Hydrochloric acid reacts to water creating toxic fumes.  This creates an additional health hazard for housekeeping employees.  

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