Last week we addressed the fact that a newcomer forms a first impression in a matter of 7 seconds. We shared a practical “five point inspection” for making sure those first seven seconds help people form a positive first impression! Today we’re going to take a few steps further into your building as we discuss bathrooms. As mentioned in a previous article, a church research project revealed that bathrooms are very high on the list of things that matter to visitors. But this insight has applications for more than just churches! An unkept bathroom is a sign that your building is NOT ready for business, that they are NOT welcome, and that the details DO escape your attention.

Fortunately, bathroom cleanliness woes are a fairly simple fix. Just like last week’s article, here is a three point first impression inspection for your restroom facilities:

1. Do all of the locks work? This seems to be a no-brainer, but I’m always annoyed to walk into a restroom only to find the lock on the door or on the stall is not functioning properly. Modesty matters to your clients! If you can’t protect them in this most basic need, how can you protect them from financial fraud, illness, or whatever else your business aims to provide for? It may seem silly to make this kind of connection, but I guarantee you that it will come to people’s mind if they are forced to hold the door closed behind them.
2. Are the waste baskets too full? Nothing irks me more than having to use a paper towel to push down the paper in an already-overflowing trash can. If your restrooms are used by multiple guests throughout the day, Sonlight Cleaning Services recommends contracting a day porter service to ensure that trash is removed throughout the day, and not just at the end of the day as is common with a daily janitorial service.
3. Is it clean? Unfortunately, this is a question that all-too-often is answered “no.” I find it quite humorous that many restrooms have a “restroom checklist” on the back of the door with the intent that employees who use the restroom will tidy or clean it throughout the day. But I can’t tell you how many times that list is completely blank or–almost worse–has not been signed in days, weeks, or even months. This is unacceptable. Other times, restrooms will have signs that say “let us know if this restroom needs attention.” That’s a red-flag for me. Do I also need to look over their shoulder as they prepare my meal? Teach my children? Manage my portfolio? Restroom cleanliness often goes by the wayside when left to employees whose focus is (and probably should rightly be) on other matters.

Your bathroom means business. Don’t lose business over dirty bathrooms ever again! Sonlight Cleaning Services is a commercial cleaning company with the experience and passion for making first impressions count. Our team will work with you to determine a cleaning routine that will keep your restrooms clean throughout the day, day after day!