RESTROOMS Proper daily cleaning procedures Custodial Best Practices
Cleaning tools Toilet bowl brush stiff bristle brush used for basic scrubbing and cleaning of toilets Toilet bowl swab soft nylon applicator for applying acid to hard water rings in toilet bowls. Not to be used on sinks or as a scrubber. #3000 sponge a medium duty scrubbing sponge. The abrasive is coated so it does less damage to surfaces than green pads. This is the heaviest duty sponge that should be used in the restrooms. Never use a green sponge or hand pad. Light duty sponge Useful for daily removal of bonded soils on restroom fixtures. Even this mild abrasive will eventually wear away chrome on faucets, flush valves and painted surfaces. Surf Brush Stiff plastic bristles shaped to scrub ceramic tile walls, floors and corners.
Towels Microfiber towels are available in multiple colors to ensure that no cross contamination happens between fixtures. Use red towels on toilets, urinals, and stall partitions. Use either green or yellow towels on sinks and counters, and use blue towels on mirrors and glass. Microfiber towels are available in the warehouse in red, yellow and blue. Note: terry cloth towels can be used instead, just ensure that no cross contamination happens.
Preparation Prepare the restroom cart for the day s use: stock supplies and chemicals. Fill mop buckets and/or machine water tanks. Chemicals: Disinfectant Glass cleaner Light acid cleaner Bowl cleaner Hydrogen peroxide cleaner Vandalism remover Never Use Bleach! Gloves Safety glasses Mop & bucket squeegee Tools: Surf brush Lambs wool duster Towels Bowl brush Supplies: Toilet paper Soap refills Roll towels Trash liners Sanitary napkin receptacle liners Toilet seat covers F-Matic Urinal screens Bowl swab Scrubbing sponges Broom & dust pan Putty knife
Notify & block off Post a Restroom closed sign so that no one will enter. Announce that you re there and that you intend to enter the restroom: (knock- Anyone in here? Custodian coming in! )
Dust & Ceilings Dust all horizontal ledges, rails, and door jams as well as vents, speakers, and light fixture on the ceiling. Work from high to low and from dry to wet. High and Dry. While you are looking up, take care of any messes on the ceiling as well as burned out lights or ballasts.
Sweep Sweep up all debris on the floor making sure to get in the corners, behind the doors, behind trash cans, and under fixtures and toilets.
Flush toilets Flush all toilets and urinals. Clear any clogs at this time.
Disinfect Apply disinfectant to toilets, urinals, sinks, and stall partitions and allow 10 minutes dwell time. If there are auto flush valves, block the sensor with a rag or piece of painters tape to prevent it from flushing away chemical.
Urinals Urinal screens should be cleaned under daily. Replace monthly. F-matic Acid urinal block and deodorizer Reduces Urine Salt and Minerals in the urinal drains. Releases small amount of acid with each flush to keep drains clear. These should be replaced at least every 3 months and only by full time custodians. Clean behind when replacing.
Walls Clean walls of any dirt/grime as well as removing any graffiti and then disinfect. Be careful around hand dryers do not get them wet. Note: Be careful using a restroom machine to not damage the walls or mirrors by over wetting.
Dwell time, fill dispensers, & empty trash While disinfectant is in its dwell time, check and refill all dispensers including toilet paper, roll towels, paper towels, soap, and disposable seat covers. Empty sanitary napkin receptacles and trash cans. Clean and disinfect all dispensers and receptacles. Replace liners in all receptacles.
Reapply & scrub Once disinfectant dwell time is up, reapply disinfectant and begin scrubbing. On toilets and urinals make sure to clean all areas including under the rim, down the trap, the top and bottom of the seat, flush handle and fixture chrome, and the outside of the bowl both top and bottom.
Hard water toilets & urinals When needed, address hard water deposits with a bowl cleaner acid. It is recommended to do this at least once a week to prevent build up. Depending on the severity of the hard water build up you may need to use a scrubbing sponge. Remember to allow dwell time so that the chemical can be effective. An acidic cleaner is not a disinfectant and does not replace that step; it is to be used in addition to the disinfectant step.
Hard water sinks & counters Clean sinks and counters with a white scrubbing sponge, #3000 sponge, or microfiber towel. If there are hard water deposits use a light acid such a Mariner or Showers-n- Stuff to remove it. Remember, an acidic cleaner is not a disinfectant and does not replace that step; it is to be used in addition to the disinfectant step. Note: Remember to wipe bottom of sink daily, wipe down plumbing as needed.
Rinse Once scrubbing is done, rinse down the toilets, urinals, stall partitions, and sinks. Wipe dry with the appropriate microfiber towel to prevent spotting.
Mirrors Clean mirrors and glass with a trigger sprayer and blue microfiber cloth. Spray the glass cleaner on the microfiber towel and then wipe. This helps to keep excess moisture from getting in the mirror frame. Do not spray mirrors with restroom machines.
Floor care - Disinfect Clean the floors with a disinfectant. Regularly scrub with a surf brush to remove sediment deposits paying close attention to edges and corners.
Floor care - Scrubbing Use a hydrogen peroxide cleaner when needed to help brighten grout lines and lift chemical residue. This step should be done in addition to the disinfectant step and not as a replacement. Do not use bleach or an acid cleaner for this purpose.
Floor care Mopping Mop daily and ensure that no puddles are left which will leave hard water and chemical deposits. A squeegee may also be used or a wet/dry vacuum. Pay close attention to low spots. Note: Remember to mop from the back of the restroom to the door so you don t walk back over your work.
Floor care Drains Make sure to flush floor drains with enough water/disinfectant to fill the trap and to keep a bad smell from coming up. Also, don t forget to clean out any debris that gets stuck in it.
Doors and touch points Clean and disinfect the entry doors, light switch covers and any other touch points prior to leaving the restroom.
Finishing up Leave the wet floor/restroom closed sign in place while the floor dries and then remove it.
End of shift At the end of the shift, clean and then restock the cart with the supplies that will be needed for the following work day. Also, check your inventory in the custodial closet and restock as needed. Don t forget to clean the closet as well.