How to design truck stop toilets that are clean and durable for 24/7 use
Truck stops and services are an important rest point for busy, long-haul drivers, as well as any other travellers who may be passing through. They offer a chance to stop, grab food and drink, stretch their legs, and of course, use the facilities.
This makes your truck stop bathrooms one of the most critical amenities within these facilities.
With many operating around the clock, ensuring that these spaces are functional and hygienic at all times is crucial and requires careful planning and intelligent washroom design.
With that in mind, we’ve put together our top tips for designing truck stop toilets that are both clean and durable, suitable for 24/7 use for all visitors.
Build cleanliness and hygiene into your washroom design
It’s really simple: the easier your bathrooms are to clean, the cleaner they’ll stay! Plus, you won’t have to keep paying out for additional deep cleaning services. So, you need to build cleanliness and usability into your design.
For example, sleek, wall-mounted toilets and sinks minimise floor contact and allow for quick sweeping, hoovering and mopping from the cleaning team. Similarly, coved baseboards eliminate corners where dirt and germs can quickly accumulate in busy bathrooms.
Large-format tiles or solid-grade laminate surfaces that require less grouting are another effective way to cut down on small gaps where debris can become trapped.
Not only this, but you can build cleanliness into your design by installing touch-free technology and automatic cleaning systems, such as self-flushing toilets and urinals, sensor taps and soap dispensers, and automatic hand dryers. These systems reduce the number of touchpoints and minimise the spread of germs, while also cutting cleaning time and let’s face it, modernising your facilities.
Choose durable materials throughout
Your truck stop bathrooms will experience high foot traffic every day, and therefore, these spaces need to be made from only the strongest and most durable materials.
We recommend choosing high-density, non-porous materials such as SGL for surfaces, walls and partitions, as this is durable, scratch-resistant and easy to sanitise.
Similarly, stainless steel is ideal for fixtures and fittings because it resists rust, scratches, and vandalism better than many other popular materials. Thinking carefully about the materials you use can help ensure your washrooms stay looking clean and new for much longer, reducing the frequency and costs associated with maintenance and repairs.
Ensure adequate ventilation
With your washrooms constantly in use, you need to make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Otherwise, you run the risk of moisture building up, and over time, this could lead to structural damage or the growth of mould and mildew.
Not only that, but if you don't have proper ventilation, unpleasant odours can stick around for longer, along with allergens and germs. Not only does this make using smelly restrooms unpleasant, but it is also unhygienic.
That is why a well-designed ventilation system is essential. Wherever possible, encourage the flow of natural air by installing and opening windows. Alternatively, you could install high-capacity fans and possibly even an air purification system to improve the user experience. This will help to improve the overall indoor air quality and get rid of any nasty smells.
Make sure it is safe and secure 24/7
Most truck stop facilities are open all night to allow drivers to take a break, especially when they are driving in the early hours. This means your restrooms must be safe and secure 24/7.
To do this, it’s important to install bright, energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors. This enables you to conserve power but maintain visibility for all guests using your facilities.
Where possible, use vandal-resistant fixtures such as tamper-proof screws, reinforced mirrors and strong toilet cubicle doors. Plus, security cameras outside the restroom entrances and regular patrols can deter anti-social behaviour late at night, ensuring the safety and comfort of guests.
Use smart technology to monitor supplies and maintenance
Modern truck stop bathrooms can leverage smart technology to maintain the highest possible standards. For example, you can install systems that monitor soap levels and paper towel supplies, and even detect leaks or broken fixtures.
Having these systems in place wherever possible will enable staff or the maintenance team to receive real-time alerts of any issues, reducing their response time and ensuring that your facilities never run out of the essentials.
Implement a clear cleaning and maintenance plan
Last but not least, washroom design choices alone cannot guarantee cleanliness and usability; there must also be a structured maintenance plan in place. Make sure to incorporate a visible cleaning schedule that is displayed on a board and monitored regularly. If you can make this digital, that’s even better!
You should also provide staff with the cleaning products and tools they need to perform deep cleaning without difficulty, making sure these are accessible at all times.
Is it time to redesign or renovate your truck stop bathrooms?
In order for your truck stop washrooms to be clean and durable 24/7, you need to perfectly combine durability, hygiene and convenience into your washroom design. You also need to get a strong cleaning and maintenance schedule in place.
If you’d like to know more about how we can help with your washroom design, get in touch with our talented team today.