Restroom Inspections: What Facility Managers Should Look for During a Walkthrough

As a facility manager, you’re responsible for ensuring that every part of your building is safe, clean, and functional—and that includes the restrooms. While they might be tucked away in the back corners of a property, restrooms make a very public impression. Poor restroom maintenance can damage tenant satisfaction, create health hazards, and send a message of neglect. That’s why regular restroom inspections are essential.

At America Cleaning Solutions (ACS), we partner with facility teams across Portland and southern Washington to keep commercial restrooms in pristine condition. If you’re wondering what to look for during your walkthroughs, here’s a helpful guide to ensure no detail is missed.

1. Cleanliness of High-Touch Surfaces

Start your inspection by checking the most frequently touched surfaces:

• Door handles

• Faucet handles

• Soap dispensers

• Toilet flush levers

• Paper towel dispensers

These areas should be free from fingerprints, residue, or grime. If you notice buildup or smudges, it’s a sign that cleaning is either insufficient or infrequent. ACS uses hospital-grade disinfectants and focuses on these hot spots to reduce the spread of germs.

2. Odor Control and Air Freshness

Does the restroom smell fresh when you walk in? Lingering odors—even faint ones—are an immediate red flag. Persistent smells often mean bacteria is present in hard-to-reach areas like grout lines, floor drains, or behind toilets.

Pro tip: masking agents like air fresheners are not a substitute for deep cleaning. At ACS, we use targeted odor elimination strategies that treat the root cause—not just the symptom.

3. Restocking and Supply Levels

Low supplies send a clear message: nobody’s paying attention.

✅ Check for:

• Full soap dispensers

• Stocked toilet paper and paper towels

• Working hand dryers

• Properly disposed trash

Empty or broken dispensers signal a lapse in monitoring. At ACS, our team includes restocking as part of every scheduled cleaning to prevent user frustration and complaints.

4. Floors, Grout, and Corners

Restroom floors endure high foot traffic and are a breeding ground for bacteria. Watch for:

• Visible dirt or spills

• Dark or discolored grout

• Dust or debris in corners and under sinks

Even if the floor looks clean, discolored grout often indicates trapped residue. ACS uses commercial-grade floor scrubbers and grout-safe products to restore appearance and sanitation.

5. Mirror and Fixture Shine

Mirrors, faucets, and stainless-steel dispensers should sparkle. Water spots, streaks, or smudges can make a restroom feel neglected—even if everything else is clean.

Pro tip: streak-free glass cleaner and microfiber cloths are essential for a polished look. It's small details like these that elevate the overall impression of your facility.

6. Toilet and Urinal Condition

Check inside the bowls for staining, buildup, or lingering waste. Also, inspect the surrounding areas—baseboards, partition walls, and plumbing fixtures—for drips or stains. Ensure that:

• Toilets flush properly

• Auto-flush systems are responsive

• No leaks or clogs are present

At ACS, we inspect and sanitize all restroom components, not just the obvious ones.

7. Trash and Sanitary Disposal

Trash bins should never be overflowing. They should be emptied regularly and wiped down to prevent sticky buildup or odor. In women’s restrooms, sanitary disposal bins must be available and maintained discreetly and hygienically.

This is an area that’s easy to overlook—but one that guests definitely notice when it’s neglected.

8. Visual Appeal and General Maintenance

A clean restroom also needs to look well cared for. Watch for:

• Peeling paint or water stains on ceilings

• Burned-out light bulbs

• Cracked tiles or damaged partitions

• Broken door locks or latches

If any of these are present, it’s time to alert your maintenance team or consult a cleaning partner who can flag issues proactively.

Don’t Just Inspect—Partner With the Right Cleaning Team

At America Cleaning Solutions, we make restroom cleaning worry-free. Our team is trained to go beyond surface-level cleaning, providing:

• Daily sanitation of high-touch areas

• Full restocking of restroom supplies

• Odor-neutralizing floor and drain treatment

• Customized checklists for each client property

Want peace of mind before your next walkthrough? Let ACS help you pass the inspection with flying colors.

📞 Ready for a restroom that always meets the mark? Contact us today to request a free walkthrough or customized quote.