Commercial restroom fixtures are products designed to help keep shared washrooms organized, stocked and easy to maintain. They can include fixtures and dispensers like paper towel dispensers, toilet paper dispensers, soap dispensers, garbage bins, toilet seat cover dispensers, feminine hygiene dispensers and hand dryers. They can also include plumbing fixtures like toilets, urinals and sinks.

Neither manual nor automatic paper towel dispensers are universally better than the other type. Both options serve unique needs based on budget, daily use and hygiene needs. Automatic paper towel dispensers offer better hygiene and portion control with their hands-free sensors. However, they can cost more upfront and will require battery replacements. Manual paper towel dispensers offer a more durable option with fewer moving parts and cost less upfront.

Hand dryers are worth it for commercial washrooms because they can cut drying costs compared to constantly buying and restocking paper towels. Modern hand dryers can produce a lower carbon footprint over their lifespan because they can be more efficient than relying on single-use paper towels. The downside is that paper towels are a better option for removing germs and reducing the spread of microbes compared to hand dryers. If you’re concerned about germs, you can stock up on bathroom cleaners, cleaning wipes, all-purpose cleaners, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.

To refill a commercial toilet paper dispenser, start by unlocking it with a dispenser key or pressing the release button. Then swing the cover open. Remove the empty cardboard toilet paper roll or any plastic hubs. Then, take the new toilet paper roll and insert it onto the spindle or slot in the dispenser. Be sure to follow the specific path inside the cover to thread the toilet paper through the dispenser’s opening. When you’re finished, close the dispenser’s cover and make sure it securely locks.

To dispose of a sanitary pad, roll it up so the soiled side faces inward. Then wrap it tightly in toilet paper, a facial tissue, a napkin or its wrapper and throw it in a garbage bin. Do not flush sanitary pads down the toilet, as they do not break down and can cause clogs in the plumbing. If possible, throw the pad in a trash can with a lid to help control odours and the spread of germs.