FMJ.CO.UK WASHROOMS FOCUS
SEPTEMBER 2021 39
PRIVACY ISSUES
While it is true that washrooms can be run
more eƒ iciently with the aid of technology,
digital solutions may spark a backlash from
users if they appear to be too intrusive. For
example, facial recognition technology is
currently in use in some public toilets in
China to prevent the overconsumption
of
toilet paper.
A¥ er the visitor’s face has been scanned,
he or she is prohibited from taking out
any more paper for a sevenminute
period. Videosharing
operator Kuaishou
Technology in China, sparked a furore in
2020 a¥ er the company was found to have
installed countdown timers above the toilet
cubicles at its headquarters. Employees
were outraged at the idea of their toilet
visits being timed, but the company
claimed that the devices had been installed
for testing purposes only. They were
quickly removed.
And again in China, employees of
technology multinational Alibaba have
lodged complaints about an internetconnected
smart toilet system recently
installed by the company. This uses an
infrared detector to monitor the occupancy
and odour levels in each toilet cell. The aim
of the system was to automatically trigger
exhaust fans and send cleaning requests
to cleaners when a bad smell had been
detected.
TALKING POINTS
However, there are many ways in which
technology can be used to enhance
washroom eƒ iciency in a less intrusively
manner – while also introducing a fun
factor. For example, rail operator Virgin
Trains introduced “talking toilets” some
years ago to reduce the risk of cubicles
being put out of action during rail journeys.
The talking toilets urged travellers to
refrain from flushing away anything that
might cause a blockage. Besides being
highly useful, the technology here had
the positive knockon
eƒ ect of creating
a talking point and enhancing the Virgin
brand.
“Talkingpoint”
washrooms can create
a buzz around a particular venue and
attract more traƒ ic
and technology can
play a major part in this. For example,
before the COVID19
pandemic there
was a growing trend among bar and pub
managers to install video screens in the
men’s washrooms to allow “gamers” to
play virtual football, drive a car or operate
a tank while using the loo.
Some shopping centres in China now
feature augmented reality screens in the
ladies’ washrooms that allow women to
virtually try on makeup.
The screens act as
intelligent mirrors enabling female visitors
to tell how they would look if they applied
a particular lipstick, blusher, eyeliner or
eyeshadow.
WELLNESS TOILET
Sometimes technology is used in public
washrooms for health reasons rather than
to create a buzz or to boost eƒ iciency.
However here, too, it can be controversial.
In December 2019, concerns were raised
about a “wellness” toilet developed at
the University of WisconsinMadison.
Designed to create a snapshot of the user’s
lifestyle, the smart toilet contained sensors
for assessing sleep patterns, exercise,
medication and alcohol and caƒ eine
intake. But there were fears that hackers
could access this sensitive information
while it was being transmitted to the user’s
physician.
However, washroom technology has no
need to be as innovative, futuristic and
bizarre as these examples suggest. In fact,
most of us use toilet tech every day – in the
form of automatic flush systems, lights,
taps and dispensers designed to prevent
visitors from having to touch washroom
surfaces. And these are continuing to
play a pivotal role in preventing crosscontamination
and enhancing customer
confidence during the COVID19
pandemic.
So it is clear that technology in the
washroom is an invaluable asset and is
here to stay. And hopefully it will continue
to evolve to ensure that tomorrow’s toilets
are smarter, more innovative and safer
than we ever thought possible.
DEEP CLEANING TIPS
Daniel Took, Head of Professional Product Marketing at
Kärcher UK explains best-practice cleaning methods for
sanitary areas and washrooms.
7he cleaning of washroom facilities reTuires specialist and eff ective cleaning
techniques as moisture and heat in changing rooms and sanitary area environments
can harbour microorganisms, which will multiply if left unchecked. Organic
substances such as dirt or Ɯ akes of skin and hair can form a breeding ground for these
microorganisms.
Washrooms can also be subject to special contamination from limescale, soap
scum, rust, urine and excrement, which require aggressive cleaning agents that can
potentially damage surfaces. It is important to consider the acidic content of the
cleaning agent to maintain high standards of cleanliness without causing damage.
Always read the safety data sheet as the acids will vary.
Deep cleaning the washroom must factor in all used spaces within the washroom
including Ɯ oors, wall tiles, sinks and mirrors, shower areas, toilets and urinals, as well
as the associated fi ttings. 'iff erent reactions to cleaning agents should be expected
when cleaning multiple surface materials because of the optimal living conditions for
microorganisms (bacteria or fungi).
For maintenance cleaning, a cleaning agent with both a fungicidal and an
antibacterial eff ect is recommended to keep the number of microorganisms as low as
possible for the long term.
General
Toilet lids and seats must be treated with an all-purpose or alcohol-based cleaner, as
acids can dissolve dye pigments and cause stains. Doors, door frames and separating
walls should also be cleaned with all-purpose or alcohol-based cleaner using
scratch-free pad sponges. Any furniture in the changing area, such as seating and coat
racks, should be manually scrubbed using a light alkaline cleaning agent or everyday
cleaner, then rinsed and dried with a yellow cleaning cloth.
In conclusion
7he cleaning measures detailed here are eff ective for ensuring that changing rooms,
showers, wellness areas and saunas or fi tness facilities remain clean and hygienic,
maintaining the wellbeing of visitors and the positive reputation of your facility.
Important note: sanitary cleaners must be used as directed and in accordance
with accident prevention guidelines. This means wearing protective gloves and eye
protection if necessary. Never mix cleaning agents, pay attention to the prescribed
dosage, do not use warm or very hot water and rinse well with clear water.