Many washroom issues only become apparent when foot traffic increases.
During holiday trading periods, school functions, seasonal events or other busy times, dispensers empty faster, consumables run out sooner and cleaning teams often need to respond more frequently than usual. A washroom that works well during normal operations can quickly come under pressure when visitor numbers rise.
The increase in usage itself is rarely a surprise. The challenge is making sure the washroom is prepared for it.
A little planning before a busy period can help facilities teams avoid unnecessary disruption and maintain a consistent experience for users.
Read more: Built to Last: Rethinking Commercial Hygiene Infrastructure
Start by looking at what changes when usage increases
When washroom traffic increases, consumables are often the first thing facilities teams notice.
Soap, hand towels and toilet tissue can disappear far more quickly than expected, particularly in high-traffic areas. A dispenser that is normally topped up once a week may suddenly require attention several times during the same period.
Busy periods can also expose weaknesses that may have gone unnoticed before. Dispensers with limited capacity, equipment that is difficult to refill or units that are already showing signs of wear can all create additional work for cleaning teams.
Ticra™ offers dispenser solutions across soap, paper and air care categories, helping facilities match equipment to the way different washrooms are used.
In practice, many problems during peak periods can be traced back to issues that were already visible beforehand, such as undersized dispensers, recurring maintenance concerns or inconsistent refill procedures.
Before a busy period, walk through your highest-traffic washrooms and ask:
- Are dispensers operating reliably and easy to use?
- Do refill capacities align with expected usage?
- Which products require replacement most often?
- Are there recurring maintenance issues?
- Is there enough flexibility if visitor numbers increase unexpectedly?
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Equipment and consumables need to work together
Having additional stock on hand is important, but preparation involves more than simply ordering extra refills.
Equipment, consumables and maintenance routines all need to work together. Compatibility is particularly important. While products may physically fit into a dispenser, they are not always designed to deliver reliable performance together. Ticra™ dispensers are designed to work with approved Rubbermaid consumables, helping support consistent dispensing and dependable operation.
For example, an office preparing for a conference or company event may review consumption patterns, inspect equipment condition and ensure the correct refills are available before visitor numbers increase. A few simple checks can often prevent avoidable interruptions later.
“Most washrooms cope well when things are quiet. The real test comes when visitor numbers jump. That’s usually when you find out whether your dispensers, consumables and maintenance plan are keeping up. The sites that experience the fewest problems are usually the ones that reviewed the basics before things got busy.”
– Charl Broodryk, Director, Nuwkem
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Focus on the areas that matter most
Few facilities need to redesign their washrooms for worst-case scenarios.
Instead, focus on the areas most likely to come under pressure during busier periods. For some sites, that may mean increasing refill capacity. For others, it may involve replacing ageing dispensers or adjusting maintenance schedules.
The objective is simple: ensure the washroom continues operating reliably when usage increases, without creating unnecessary work for the teams responsible for keeping facilities running.
Make your next busy period easier
If you’re preparing for a seasonal rush, a major event or a period of increased occupancy, reviewing your washroom setup can help improve reliability and reduce day-to-day maintenance demands.
Nuwkem can help assess your requirements, from Ticra™ dispenser selection and approved Rubbermaid consumables through to capacity planning, compatibility and maintenance considerations.
Our Contact Details
Johannesburg: 011 455 6307
Cape Town: 021 001 4055
Email: getintouch@nuwkem.co.za
WhatsApp: 076 786 4155
FAQs
What is washroom hygiene management?
Washroom hygiene management involves coordinating dispensers, consumables, cleaning procedures and maintenance activities to ensure facilities remain clean, functional and reliable for users.
How can I prepare a washroom for increased usage?
Start by reviewing dispenser condition, refill capacity, product consumption trends and any recurring maintenance issues. Addressing these areas before visitor numbers increase can help prevent avoidable disruptions.
How can Nuwkem help with washroom hygiene management? Nuwkem works with facilities teams to assess site requirements and identify suitable dispenser, consumable and support solutions based on operational needs.
