Is it time to update your truck stop washrooms?
Truck stop washrooms are a critical part of the driving experience for long-haul lorry drivers and travellers alike.
Clean and well-maintained washroom facilities can make a world of difference for customers who rely on these truck stops as a home away from home.
So, if your washrooms haven’t been updated in years, it might be time to assess what condition they are in and if it’s time for an upgrade.
Here’s why modernising your restrooms is essential and how to tell if it’s time to update your truck stop washroom facilities.
Signs it’s time for an upgrade
There is every likelihood that customers will let you know if they’ve had a poor experience with your facilities, especially in the age of the Internet.
However, if you’re unsure just how much work needs to be done and whether or not a deep clean and a bit of TLC could be enough to salvage your facilities, let us help.
Here are some telltale signs that it’s time to upgrade your truck stop bathrooms.
1. Negative customer feedback
Let’s start with the most obvious sign that you need to make a change. If people have begun to complain about the state of your washrooms, these complaints should not be ignored.
Whether these concerns are about cleanliness, functionality, broken fixtures, odours, or anything else, you should take this feedback very seriously.
The health, safety and happiness of users should be your top priority. So, make sure to address any issues they may have and make positive changes that improve their experience as soon as possible.
2. Frequent plumbing issues
If you’re constantly having to call out plumbers to deal with leaks, clogged toilets or faulty sinks, this is a sign that an upgrade is long overdue.
What’s more, it could actually be more cost-effective to replace broken or outdated fixtures and fittings, saving you on frequent emergency plumber fees and temporary fixes.
3. Bad odours and poor ventilation
Are you hit with a persistent musty smell when you walk into your truck stop bathrooms?
Sure, these spaces might not always smell like roses, but they should be clean and well-ventilated to offer the best possible experience and keep users safe.
Recurring bad odours and stale smells is a sign that your ventilation system needs improvement. This could be through the addition of new windows and extractor fans. You could also add touches like diffusers or air fresheners to keep these spaces smelling pleasant.
4. Outdated design
If your restrooms look like they haven’t been updated since they were originally built decades ago, then it could be time for a refresh.
You’ll be surprised what a difference a lick of paint can make, but think about choosing bright, fresh and neutral colours that make the spaces feel comfortable and inviting.
More than this, take a look at the overall design and layout of your facilities. Should you update the design to something more modern and functional? Could customers benefit from full-length cubicles? Do they need more hangers or shelves for their belongings?
Think about what you’d like to see and use if you were stopping at your facilities and incorporate these elements into a new design that will transform your truck stop washrooms.
5. Damage, scratches or vandalism
If your washrooms are covered in unsightly marks, scratches and possibly even vandalism, then it’s important that you replace any damaged surfaces or fixtures.
It could just be wear and tear that has occurred over time, but this does not mean you should ignore damage to your bathrooms.
In some cases, you may be able to simply paint over marked walls, but when replacing other damaged or scratched elements in your truck stop washrooms, make sure to choose materials that are durable and will last for years to come.
After all, your facilities are busy places with a lot of foot traffic. So be sure to install sturdy, non-slip flooring, strong materials like solid-grade laminate and choose metal or wooden features that don’t scratch easily.
6. There are lots of touchpoints
Modern washroom design incorporates as many touch-free features as possible. For example, automated lighting, sensor taps and flushes, and automatic hand dryers.
Adding touchless technology to your truck stop bathrooms will reduce the number of touch points for users and, therefore, the number of places where harmful germs or bacteria can build up. This also makes these spaces easier to clean and safer for all users.
As if that wasn’t enough, automated elements like taps and lights can reduce waste and save you money on your electricity and water bills by ensuring no taps or lights are left on unnecessarily.
7. Increased competition
Last but not least, if competitors in your area have better facilities than you, it’s time to act! By upgrading your washrooms, you can stay competitive and keep long-haul drivers and travellers returning to your facilities each time they hit the road.
Are you ready to update your truck stop bathrooms?
If you recognise one or more of these signs, then it’s probably time to update your truck stop washrooms. Whether you simply replace a couple of fixtures or choose a complete redesign, every upgrade can make the experience more pleasant for your customers - and that’s what matters the most!
But if you’re not sure where to start, our talented team can help.