Maintenance Needs to Consider in Toilet Cubicle Walls

Design – Less is More

Regular cleaning and maintenance are key factors in the design of toilet cubicle walls.  In simple terms, the fewer hidden areas, edges and seams, the less cluttered space, the less there is to clean. The simpler the product and the more seamless, the easier it is to keep clean.

Exposed pipework, ducts and joints should be avoided as far as possible.  A smooth, streamlined layout will be more aesthetically pleasing, and will also save a great deal of time when it comes to cleaning.  A long communal wash trough is nowadays a popular alternative to a row of wall mounted wash basins, making for just one large sink to clean.  A built-in vanity unit conceals all the pipework within the unit, whilst still allowing access for plumbing maintenance

Many modern toilets sit parallel to and against the back wall; these “wall faced” or “back to wall” toilets reduce the narrow spaces which can be difficult and unpleasant to access, but which if left unattended can quickly become unsightly and unhygienic.

Cleaning Laminated Panel Systems

All laminated panel products are designed with ease of maintenance in mind, having a hard, durable melamine surface that will maintain its attractive appearance over a long life.

Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC) can be cleaned with a damp cloth using mild commercial detergent, but care has to be taken not to allow water to soak in.  For this reason, its use is not advised for horizontal surface such as vanity units.

HPL and SGL laminated panels are more resistant to water, particularly SGL (Solid Grade Laminate – also known as Compact Grade Laminate).  SGl panels can be cleaned with solvents, and stains removed using appropriate proprietary spot cleaners.

Harsh chemicals such as toilet cleaner, drain cleaner and acids and alkalis chemicals will etch and mark the decorative surface of laminated panels, and for this reason toilet cubicles should be designed so that the panels do not come into contact with cleaners used for the toilets and drains.

Graffiti

Cleaners are available which will remove graffiti from laminated toilet cubicle panels.  The use of abrasives is not recommended, as they will dull the surface and make future stains harder to remove.