Commercial Restroom Cleaning Checklist: How to Clean the Restroom in Your Building

There are probably plenty of tasks that you really don’t want to do that you know must get done. Commercial restroom cleaning is probably at the top of that list. 

It’s gross, it’s time-consuming, and you have better things to do. But, keeping your restrooms clean is not something you can afford to overlook. All it takes is one bad customer experience or one health code violation to derail your business.

With the right commercial restroom cleaning checklist, though, it can actually be fairly simple and straightforward! We’ve put together this detailed guide on how to clean the restroom in your building to help you make it as painless as possible:

It can be as simple as investing in the right restroom cleaning machine here at SweepScrub. Why work harder when you could work smarter? Our solutions can cut your cleaning time by 66% while minimizing contact with contaminants. Get in touch to learn more!

The Role of Regular Commercial Restroom Cleaning

Nobody wants to clean the restroom, but it has to get done on a fairly regular basis. This is especially important in customer facing operations where a lasting negative impression can lead to reputational nightmares.

But even if it’s just your employees using the restroom facilities, you don’t want them to feel uncomfortable or grossed out in their own workplace. This can take a toll on morale.

Neglected restrooms can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and foul odors. Germs become airborne with each flush. Left unchecked, they’ll spread throughout your facility. If the health and safety implications aren’t enough, maybe compliance concerns are.

The truth is, your restrooms probably see more foot traffic than any other space in your building besides the entrance. So whether you’re running a retail storefront or fitness center, a call center or restaurant, you’ll need to invest in commercial restroom cleaning.

That said, let’s get into how to clean the restroom quickly and safely with this commercial restroom cleaning checklist below!

How to Clean the Restroom: Follow This Commercial Restroom Cleaning Checklist to Streamline the Process!

The right process can transform this disgusting, time-consuming task into a quick, stress-free job that doesn’t expose you to any gross contaminants. The best thing you can do is set yourself up for success with the right tools and supplies.

Gather Supplies and Get Ready

You probably have many of the essentials for following our commercial restroom cleaning checklist on hand already. These include:

• Disposable gloves, masks, and protective eyewear
• Disinfectant sprays or wipes for high-touch surfaces
• Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
• Glass cleaner for mirrors
• Floor cleaner and mop
• Heavy-duty degreaser (if needed)
• Air freshener or odor eliminator

Stocking and organizing all these supplies on a cleaning cart will eliminate back-and-forth trips. The list above covers everything you need for smaller restroom cleaning jobs. But commercial settings with expansive facilities can justify investing in advanced equipment. 

The Tornado Touchless Restroom Cleaning Machine can be your saving grace for cutting your cleaning time by two-thirds and preventing any direct contact with contaminants. It also ensures better results through the DARE process: disinfect, agitate, rinse, extract.

Not only will your employees handling the cleaning be thankful you invested in this machine, but your customers will be too, as they’ll enjoy impeccable restroom conditions. Connect today to learn more about how this machine can elevate your commercial restroom cleaning process.

Empty Trash and Restock Supplies

Before you even enter the restroom make sure there’s nobody in it. Knock on the door and confirm the facilities are empty. Then, block entry using a sign. A wet floor sign will do, but ideally, you’d have separate “restroom cleaning in progress” signs.

The first step in our commercial restroom cleaning checklist is emptying the trash and restocking any essentials. That includes toilet paper, paper towels, soap dispensers, and sanitary disposal bags.

Take a moment to check that your automatic dispensers are functioning properly (if applicable) and look for any other aspects of your restroom that might need more intensive maintenance. 

Clean and Disinfect Touchpoints

Now comes the fun part - actually starting the cleaning process. Begin by addressing the high-touch areas where the most bacteria accumulates. Starting here will prevent cross-contamination as you continue down the commercial restroom cleaning checklist:

1. Disinfect door handles, light switches, and stall locks.
2. Wipe down hand dryers or paper towel dispensers.
3. Sanitize toilet flush handles, faucet handles, and soap dispensers.
4. Scrub and disinfect stall partitions, especially near toilets and urinals. 

If you don’t have a touchless machine like ours on hand, you’ll want to use disposable disinfectant wipes or microfiber cloths to avoid spreading bacteria from one surface to another. 

Deep Clean Toilets and Urinals

This is probably the worst part of learning how to clean the restroom: the toilets and urinals.Although you’re dreading this step, it’s among the most important.

1. Let a toilet bowl cleaner sit inside the bowl for a few minutes before scrubbing.
2. Wipe down the exterior of toilets and urinals, including seats, lids, and flush mechanisms.
3. Use a urinal screen or deodorizer to address odor and buildup.
4. Check plumbing for leaks or slow flushes and report maintenance issues.

We know this isn’t exactly fun. But the more often you do it, the easier it is with less mineral buildup, odor concentration, and potential plumbing problems.  

Scrub Sinks, Countertops, and Mirrors

Sinks and counters can be a breeding ground for germs as well since this is where people go immediately after using the toilet or urinal. They can also accumulate soap scum, grime, and water stains. Follow these steps:

1. Spray disinfectant on sinks and faucets. Let it dwell a bit before wiping it clean.
2. Wipe down the countertops, scrubbing extra good around the soap dispensers.
3. Clean mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner to remove water spots and fingerprints.

Make sure you’re using a separate microfiber cloth for mirrors otherwise you’ll end up with streaks from other cleaning products, leading to repeated wiping.

Thoroughly Clean the Floors 

If you already have an industrial floor scrubber or floor sweeper machine this part of our commercial restroom cleaning checklist is quick and easy. 

1. Sweep first to pick up any dry debris.
2. Apply a heavy-duty floor cleaner that breaks down grime without leaving a residue.
3. Use a scrub brush or machine to deep-clean grout lines. 
4. Make sure the floor is completely dry to prevent slip hazards and the lawsuits that come with them. Leave out wet floor signs in the meantime.

If there are floor drains in your restroom these might need a bit of attention as well. Take a moment to apply some sort of drain opener, either an acid or enzyme-based solution.

Acid drain cleaners tend to be fairly harsh and are only to be used periodically for serious clogs. We never recommend them for facilities that have septic tanks, though, as they can lead to more serious issues with tank operation.

In contrast, enzyme drain openers tend to be gentler. They can be used as a preventative measure for avoiding clogged drains in the first place, even if you have septic tanks!

Remember, the best tile floor cleaning machine is just a click or call away at SweepScrub. We have all the equipment and supplies you need to keep your entire facility squeaky clean!

Eliminate Odors and Final Touches

Most of the hard work is done at this point, it’s just a matter of putting the finishing touches on the task:

1. Use a neutralizing air freshener or odor eliminator, but be careful about overpowering fragrances that cause more harm than good.
2. Check ventilation to make sure air is circulating well and keeping the space fresh.
3. Inspect your work and confirm every surface is spotless and stocked before leaving.
4. Leave a maintenance log in a visible location so users know the restroom is cleaned regularly.

That’s it - you know how to clean the restroom quickly and thoroughly! The only thing left to do now is streamline your operation with a commercial restroom cleaning machine if you haven’t already. Take the next step at SweepScrub.

Streamline the Entire Commercial Restroom Cleaning Checklist With SweepScrub!

SweepScrub is your one-stop shop for commercial cleaning essentials, from equipment to chemicals. We stock all the industry’s best brands and models and back them up with exceptional customer service every step of the way.

Learning how to clean the restroom the old-fashioned way is fine for some smaller businesses, but when you can’t afford to settle for less than peak productivity, don’t want to come in contact with nasty germs, or want to showcase cleaner facilities for customers, you need the Torando Touchless Restroom Cleaner.

This powerful machine simplifies every step on the commercial restroom cleaning checklist with its 15-gallon solution and recovery tanks, adjustable 500 PSI pump, and touch-free technology.

You can efficiently disinfect, agitate, rinse, and extract (the DARE protocol) without much manual intervention at all. 

It’s a great investment for public restrooms, hospitals, commercial buildings, and retail stores, as it can make your cleaning process 66% faster while minimizing work exposure to contaminants. We hope you’ll get in touch with us today to learn more about what it can do for you!

Final Words on How to Clean the Restroom in Commercial Settings

That does it for our guide on how to clean the restroom in commercial settings. As much as you might dread this task, it’s not something that you can ignore. One negative restroom experience can impact customer perception and employee morale or cause compliance issues.

This commercial restroom cleaning checklist empowers you to work through each step with confidence and clarity. But remember, there’s an easier approach right here waiting for you at SweepScrub.

Learn more about warehouse floor cleaning, cleaning concrete floors, school floor cleaning, or how to use a commercial floor scrubber in general in our blog. Or better yet, reach out to see if the Tornado Touchless Restroom Cleaning Machine is right for your business.

Say goodbye to restroom cleaning struggles and hello to a professional-level clean with less time and human intervention. Upgrade your commercial restroom cleaning process today!