How to prevent smells in toilets
Nobody enjoys unpleasant odours in toilets, and communal facilities can be particularly prone to them. However, maintaining fresh-smelling washrooms is achievable with a few key strategies. Here, we give our expert advice on how to keep your toilets odour-free.
1. Regular cleaning
The foundation of a fresh washroom is a rigorous and proper cleaning schedule. Regular cleaning, in line with an operations & maintenance manual and making sure correct cleaning substances are used, helps keep all washroom furniture and sanitaryware in the best possible shape.
Tip : For an extra layer of cleanliness, consider incorporating a tap and floor drains for your new washroom. This allows for thorough mopping and washing of the entire floor area, leaving no unhygienic substances on the floor.
2. Ventilation
Good ventilation is crucial for preventing smells. Ideally, toilets should have access to natural ventilation through openable windows but if not, mechanical or exhaust ventilation systems must be installed. UK Building Regulations specify minimum ventilation requirements for washrooms to ensure adequate airflow to prevent the build-up of moisture and odours.
Tip: In washrooms with full-height cubicles, regulations state that each cubicle must have its own ventilation - something worth bearing in mind if you’re thinking of choosing full height cubicles on your project.
3. Solid core laminate
Unprotected or chipped surfaces, especially those with chipboard cores, can absorb urine and greywater, leading to persistent odours. When replacing panelling, opt for solid-grade laminate. This material is impervious to fluids and completely waterproof, preventing the absorption of liquids that can cause unpleasant smells. We only use solid-grade laminate for panelling, partitions, vanity units, and cubicles, ensuring long-lasting hygiene and odour resistance in your new washroom.
4. Urinals
Traditional urinals that flush on a cycle can leave lingering odours. Sensor-activated flushing systems offer a solution as they allow users to initiate a flush when needed, minimising wasted water and reducing the chance of smells developing. While waterless urinals conserve water, they often come at the cost of increased odours. For less chance of developing unpleasant smells, we recommend avoiding waterless urinal systems.
5. Room fresheners
Air fresheners and sprays should not be used to hide up smells but to improve or complement a clean and hygienic washroom.
Tip: There are many great options out there for air fresheners that dispense on a timed cycle and use light sensors to only work in your hours of operation - many also have refills which have recyclable packaging.
By implementing these simple strategies, you can create a fresh and pleasant washroom environment for everyone. Remember, a well-maintained washroom not only promotes hygiene but also contributes to a more positive experience for users. Focus Washrooms is dedicated to helping you achieve this goal and have over 25 years experience in refurbishing washrooms.