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How to Identify the Source of Bad Odours

by Rebecca Kanable - 27th June 2014

Restrooms don’t need to smell like restrooms. Even though restroom odours are a fact of life, they should not leave a lingering malodourous impression. After all, foul odours do not convey “clean” and numerous studies have reported that building occupants won’t return to a facility with dirty restrooms. “Facilities are often judged by the cleanliness of their restrooms,” says James Keough, marketing vice president at Triple S, Billerica, Massachusetts. In fact, one industry manufacturer found that unsanitary-appearing restrooms in commercial establishments will drive up to 33 percent of customers away.

“You want people to enter and exit the restroom thinking it is clean,” says Keith Schneringer, marketing manager for San Diego-based WAXIE Sanitary Supply.  

And the best way to do that is to not mask or over perfume odours. Instead, take steps to prevent odours and clean frequently.

“Departments can’t clean their restrooms every hour or every time it’s used, that’s just not realistic,” Keough says, “but the more cleaning they can do, the better.”
A persistent odour problem could either mean restrooms are not being cleaned regularly or they aren’t being cleaned properly. 
Distributors recommend managers maintain comprehensive restroom cleaning schedules. Make sure workers mop floors with a disinfectant that contains deodourizers. They should also use an enzyme cleaner that attacks tough odours. And staff should clean the inside of urinals and commodes at least once a day. 
Between scheduled cleanings, managers should stock restrooms with pleasant smells. Air fresheners, when used correctly, can be a good odour counteractant.
Odour control requires an all-encompassing program, Schneringer concludes.

 

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