You could have the nicest lobby in Indianapolis and still get tenants or patrons grumbling about one thing: the bathrooms. It’s like the universal law of property management… if something’s going to spark complaints, it’s either the HVAC… or the restroom.
The funny part is, most bathroom complaints aren’t about the finishes or amenities. They’re usually about the basics: empty supplies, odd smells, overflowing trash, or counters that look like a splash zone. And because everyone uses the restroom, everyone notices when something is off. The good news is that these issues are easy to solve once you know what to look for.
The Usual Suspects: Why Bathrooms Fail
Office restrooms get a ton of traffic, and without the right upkeep, they can slide downhill quickly. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Empty supplies (toilet paper and soap are the fastest way to spark complaints).
- Lingering odors that no air freshener can truly cover.
- Overflowing trash or paper towels scattered across the floor.
- Neglected surfaces like counters, faucets, and stall doors that show grime fast.
- Timing issues when bathrooms are only cleaned at night but get messy by mid-afternoon.
None of these are glamorous problems, but together they create the impression that the building isn’t cared for, which can reflect poorly on you as a property manager or business owner.
Day Porter Services: Your Secret Weapon
Most property managers eventually realize that once-a-day cleaning schedule isn’t enough for busy buildings. By the time the afternoon rush hits, supplies run low and bathrooms look like they’ve hosted a small concert. A day porter changes that.
Day porters handle those in-between cleanings that keep restrooms looking fresh throughout the day. They can discreetly re-stock toilet paper and soap before anyone notices it’s gone, wipe down counters and faucets so they sparkle, and handle odors or spills immediately instead of leaving them until nighttime. Think of them as your building’s restroom guardian, always on duty, without the tuxedo.
Why Supplies Matter More Than You Think
Believe it or not, the quality of restroom supplies can make or break tenant satisfaction. If you’ve ever been stuck with sandpaper-quality toilet paper or soap that smells like chemicals, you know the feeling. Better supplies lead to fewer clogs, cleaner floors, and a much better user experience.
In fact, industry research from ISSA (the International Sanitary Supply Association) shows a direct connection between restroom cleanliness and tenant satisfaction scores. In other words, when the bathrooms are stocked and clean, tenants are happier.
Practical Ways to Cut Down Complaints
If restroom complaints are clogging up your voicemail or inbox, a few simple changes can help:
- Create a stocking schedule that ensures essentials never run out.
- Use odor control that’s effective but subtle. In large facilities, scent diffusers tied into HVAC systems can keep air fresh consistently without being overwhelming.
- Assign a point person like a day porter to check restrooms at peak times.
- Add a quick high-touch checklist for surfaces like faucets and door handles that need extra attention.
When tenants see a bathroom that feels clean and cared for, complaints drop. And in property management, no news is good news.
A Little Attention Goes a Long Way
Restrooms may never be the highlight of your building tour, but they can absolutely be the downfall if ignored. By investing in better supplies, adding mid-day refreshes, and tackling odor and cleanliness issues proactively, you’ll not only reduce complaints, you’ll create a facility people actually appreciate using.
Ready to stop restroom complaints before they start? Learn more about our Day Porter Services to help keep your office bathrooms clean.
