Do you know that clean drinking fountains can reduce absenteeism and improve worker productivity? Maintaining sanitary drinking fountains at your business helps employees remain healthy, productive and well hydrated. The best way to maintain sanitary conditions in these potential germ incubators is with a thorough daily cleaning and sanitation. Read on to learn how you can ensure your drinking fountain is clean and safe.
Step One: Sanitizing Wipes
It’s a good idea to use sanitizing wipes every day on all of the fountain’s exposed surfaces. This includes the handle and the side panels, as employees can easily spread germs from touching these surfaces. With a fresh sanitizing wipe, thoroughly rub the mouthpiece, bowl, button or handle, and all side panels. Do this at least once each day, preferably first thing in the morning, as germ growth can occur overnight, especially during warmer months. If you’re really gung-ho, doing this twice each day will provide an optimal level of sanitation.
Step Two: Hot Water
Fill a small bucket with hot water. Dip a clean, lint-free cloth in and rub the bowl and mouthpiece with it to remove any dust or grimy buildup on the fountain. Pay special attention to corners, creases and other areas where bacteria can hide and grow.
Step Three: Bleach or Sanitizer
Coat the bowl and mouthpiece with a splash of bleach or sanitizing solution and allow it to sit for five minutes. Then scrub the fountain with a soft-bristled brush, paying special attention to the mouthpiece and button or handle.
Step Four: A Dry Cloth
Rub the bowl and mouthpiece with a dry cloth to remove any remaining grime. This does double duty to help clear away any bleach or sanitizer (which nobody wants a mouthful of!).
Step Five: Pour out the Bucket
Now pour the bucket of hot water into and over the drinking fountain, concentrating on the mouthpiece to remove the last traces of bleach. Pour a little at a time around the entire fountain bowl to ensure it’s rinsed well.
You can handle this important task yourself each day, or designate someone from your staff to handle it. But the best way to ensure that your drinking fountains remain a place to hydrate and chat, rather than ground zero for a stomach flu outbreak, is to hire a professional commercial cleaning service. In fact, the professional cleaners at Town and Country Office Cleaning know all about proper sanitation techniques to help your employees stay healthy and happy. Contact Town and Country today for help with all of your office cleaning and janitorial needs, including clean drinking fountains.
