Avoiding the "Top Five"

Keeping public restrooms clean means paying attention to what's known in the cleaning industry as the "Top Five." These are the five most typical restroom complaints and the most common cleaning challenges. They are: 1) Cross-contamination hazards 2) Soap and towel dispensers that don't work 3) Unsightly garbage 4) Soiled or stained surfaces 5) Persistent odors The International Sanitary Supply Association's (ISSA) Web site offers a 12-step set of general guidelines entitled "How to Properly Clean a Restroom." It will give guidelines for solutions to the "Top Five" that include cleaning countertops by starting at the backsplash and working toward the drain and ensuring paper towels are always restocked.