Restroom Cleanliness as a Customer Metric
Facility managers (FMs) and restaurant owners (ROs) increasingly recognize restroom hygiene as an essential part of customer satisfaction. The pandemic brought heightened awareness to public hygiene, and with that came new expectations:

• Greater sensitivity to dirty restrooms: Guests link poor restroom care with overall neglect.
• Higher usage levels: With handwashing up nearly 75 percent, restrooms face heavier traffic and faster wear.
• Touchless technology adoption: Automatic fixtures, dispensers, and doors now shape perceptions of modernity and safety.

A clean restroom is no longer a courtesy; it is a form of brand protection.

What “Dirty” Really Means to Guests
Across both consumers and facility professionals, paper and water issues stand out as the biggest red flags.

• Paper problems such as stray towels or empty dispensers send visual signals of neglect.
• Water on the floor quickly becomes a hygiene and safety concern.
• Broken dispensers, especially paper towel units, are major detractors. In comparative studies, 71 percent of consumers and 85 percent of facility managers rated nonfunctioning paper towel dispensers as worse than broken hand dryers.

The evidence is clear: customers equate visible clutter or malfunctioning equipment with a lack of overall care.

The Perception Gap
Consumers and facility teams do not always see restroom conditions the same way. Customers are far less forgiving, often associating a dirty restroom with lowered trust in food safety, service standards, and brand reliability. Meanwhile, facility or restaurant managers may underestimate how strongly restroom conditions shape a patron’s lasting memory. This gap highlights the value of proactive and consistent maintenance routines.

The Touchless Advantage
Touchless features such as automatic faucets, soap dispensers, and paper systems became mainstream following COVID‑19. For FMs and ROs, these upgrades are not just conveniences. They help reduce paper waste, improve hygiene, and simplify ongoing maintenance. While consumers may take them for granted, seeing such amenities subconsciously reinforces confidence in a facility’s cleanliness and modernity.

The Bottom Line
A restroom is more than a utility space; it is a reflection of how a business values its guests. Clean, functional, and thoughtfully maintained restrooms foster trust, comfort, and repeat visits. Poor conditions can quietly drive customers away.

At Advance Champion Supply, we know that maintaining spotless, well-equipped restrooms is fundamental to great guest experiences. That is why we partner with leading manufacturers to equip facility professionals with the right tools, products, and expertise to achieve consistent, high-quality results.

When restrooms shine, your reputation shines too.

Family owned and operated by the De Rosa family since 1977.

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Why Cold and Flu Season Matters for Business

The economic impact of cold and flu season on businesses is substantial. The average employee with the flu misses three to four days of work, and even those who come to work while sick experience reduced productivity. Beyond the immediate costs of absenteeism, workplace illness can create a ripple effect that affects team morale, customer service, and project timelines.

Taking preventive action isn’t just good for employee wellbeing—it’s a smart business decision that protects your bottom line.

Creating a Healthy Workplace Environment

Enhance Cleaning Protocols

During cold and flu season, standard cleaning procedures may not be sufficient. Consider increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, shared equipment, and kitchen areas. Provide cleaning supplies at workstations so employees can wipe down their own keyboards, phones, and desks throughout the day.

Improve Air Quality and Ventilation

Proper ventilation plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of airborne illnesses. Ensure your HVAC system is well-maintained and filters are changed regularly. If possible, increase fresh air circulation and consider using air purifiers in shared spaces. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels between 40-60% can also help reduce virus transmission.

Provide Hygiene Stations

Make it easy for employees to practice good hygiene by placing hand sanitizer stations in strategic locations throughout your workplace—near entrances, in conference rooms, break rooms, and common areas. Ensure restrooms are always stocked with soap and paper towels.

Encouraging Preventive Health Measures

Promote Vaccination

One of the most effective ways to reduce flu cases in your workplace is to encourage vaccination. Consider hosting an on-site flu shot clinic, partnering with a local pharmacy or healthcare provider to bring vaccinations directly to your employees. If that’s not feasible, provide paid time off for employees to get vaccinated and communicate information about where vaccines are available.

Educate Your Team

Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing illness. Share information about proper handwashing techniques, respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), and the importance of not touching one’s face. Regular reminders through email, posters, or team meetings can reinforce these healthy habits.

Implementing Supportive Sick Leave Policies

Review Your Sick Leave Policy

Ensure your sick leave policy is clear, generous, and easy to use. Employees should never feel pressured to come to work when they’re ill. If your current policy is restrictive, consider whether temporary adjustments during peak flu season might be appropriate.

Discourage Presenteeism

Create a culture where staying home when sick is not only accepted but encouraged. Leadership should set the example by staying home when they’re unwell. Make it clear that coming to work sick puts others at risk and can actually prolong recovery time.

Enable Remote Work

For employees whose jobs allow it, offering the option to work from home when they’re mildly ill can help them rest while staying productive and preventing the spread of illness to coworkers.

Supporting Employee Health and Immunity

Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote wellness initiatives that support immune health. This might include sharing information about nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular exercise. Consider offering healthy snacks in the office or organizing wellness challenges.

Provide Flexibility

Stress and exhaustion can weaken immune systems. During cold and flu season, consider whether you can offer additional flexibility with schedules to help employees maintain work-life balance and get adequate rest.

Ensure Access to Healthcare

Make sure employees understand their health benefits and know how to access care when needed. Provide information about telehealth options, urgent care facilities, and what to do if they develop symptoms.

Communicating Your Plan

Be Proactive and Transparent

Don’t wait until illness strikes. Communicate your cold and flu season preparedness plan to all employees before the season begins. Let them know what steps the company is taking and what you expect from them.

Regular Updates

During peak illness times, provide regular updates about any cases in the workplace (without violating privacy), remind employees about preventive measures, and reinforce your sick leave policy.

Create Easy Reference Materials

Develop simple, accessible resources such as a one-page guide on symptoms that should keep someone home, proper hygiene practices, and who to contact if they’re ill.

Preparing for Business Continuity

Cross-Train Employees

Ensure that critical functions aren’t dependent on a single person. Cross-training team members means your business can continue operating smoothly even when key employees are out sick.

Have a Contingency Plan

Identify which functions are essential and develop backup plans for maintaining them during periods of high absenteeism. This might include temporary reassignment of duties or bringing in temporary help.

Review Your Technology

Ensure your remote work technology is functioning properly and that employees know how to use it. Test video conferencing systems, VPN access, and collaboration tools before they’re urgently needed.

Conclusion

Preparing your business for cold and flu season doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By combining preventive measures, supportive policies, clear communication, and contingency planning, you can create a workplace that stays healthier and more productive throughout the season.

The key is to start early, be proactive rather than reactive, and create a culture where employee health is valued and protected. When your team knows you’re invested in their wellbeing, they’re more likely to take the necessary precautions to stay healthy—benefiting everyone in the organization.

Remember, every business is different. Assess your specific workplace needs, involve employees in the planning process, and be willing to adjust your approach based on what works best for your team. With thoughtful preparation, you can minimize the impact of cold and flu season and maintain a thriving workplace all year long.

Contact the professionals at Advance Champion Supply to help create a safety plan designed for your business that includes the proper products and procedures to protect your staff and your business.

The post Preparing Your Business for Cold and Flu Season: A Guide to Keeping Your Workforce Healthy appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

Think about it: how much trust do you put in people you don’t know? Most of us research before making an important purchase or hiring someone for a project. And almost everyone has had that frustrating experience, hiring someone who offered a cheaper price, only to find the job wasn’t done right. In the end, you spend more money correcting mistakes that could have been avoided by working with knowledgeable, experienced professionals from the beginning.

The reality is simple: compromising on quality almost always costs more in the long run. As the saying goes, “The bitterness of poor quality far exceeds the enticement of a cheap price.” Years later, will you remember the discount you got, or the subpar results you were left with?

At Advance Champion Janitorial Supply, we understand the importance of experience and trust. With over 45 years in the janitorial supply industry, Kevin and Marc bring unmatched knowledge of cleaning tools, products, and maintenance solutions to the greater Phoenix area. Their expertise ensures that when you turn to the Advance team, you’ll get the right products, the right guidance, and the right support to keep your space clean, safe, and well-maintained.

Your health, your business, and your home deserve better than “discount-store” solutions. Choose proven experience and quality that lasts, choose Advance Champion Janitorial Supply and get the best solutions for your dollars spent.

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The Sobering Statistics

According to a recent report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), nearly half of

U.S. adults—a staggering 48%—admit to forgetting or deliberately choosing not to wash their hands in critical situations. This includes moments after visiting grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, or healthcare facilities like doctor’s offices and hospitals.

The timing of this report is particularly significant, coming after what health officials called the worst flu season in 15 years and multiple norovirus outbreaks across the country.

Knowledge vs. Practice: A Critical Gap

While most Americans understand the basics of handwashing in theory, their real-world habits tell a different story. The survey found that 62% of respondents correctly knew that washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds effectively reduces germ transmission. However, knowledge doesn’t always translate to action.

Why People Skip Handwashing

The reasons behind poor hand hygiene habits vary:

Forgetting remains the top reason people don’t wash their hands, but perhaps more concerning is that one in five adults (20%) actively choose not to wash their hands. Their justifications include:

• Believing it’s unnecessary
• Not having enough time
• Worrying about skin dryness

Interestingly, the survey revealed gender differences in handwashing behavior: men are more likely to simply forget, while women tend to reach for alternatives like hand sanitizer when they skip traditional handwashing.

When Americans Do Wash Their Hands

The survey identified the top situations that prompt handwashing:

1. After using the restroom (69%)
2. After handling food (48%)
3. After handling human or animal waste (39%)

However, only 30% of respondents wash their hands after coughing or sneezing—a particularly troubling finding given how easily respiratory diseases like flu spread through airborne droplets.

The Bigger Picture: Health Impact and Motivation

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Health experts estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands properly, approximately 1 million lives could be saved worldwide each year.

Most Americans (55%) say they wash their hands primarily to stay healthy and avoid illness. Additionally, 68% cited preventing the spread of germs to others as a top motivation, showing that community- minded thinking does influence hygiene habits.

Seasonal Patterns and Post-Pandemic Trends

The data reveals some interesting behavioral patterns:

• 26% of respondents increase their handwashing frequency during fall and winter months, despite germs being present year-round
• One-third of Americans report washing their hands more frequently now than they did during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Bottom Line

As Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr., NFID medical director, emphasized: “While handwashing is an important strategy for disease prevention, and should be complementary to vaccination, it is a critical and often overlooked tool.”

The report serves as a crucial reminder that proper hand hygiene remains one of our most powerful— and underutilized—weapons against infectious disease. Bridging the gap between knowledge and practice could have profound implications for public health, potentially saving countless lives and reducing the burden of preventable illnesses.

This summary is based on the 2025 NFID State of Handwashing Report, which provides comprehensive insights into American handwashing behaviors and attitudes.

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1. Provide Skin-Friendly Soaps and Sanitizers

Skin sensitivities and conditions like eczema affect millions, making certain soaps and sanitizers problematic. Using products that are gentle, dermatologically tested, and certified by reputable organizations ensures that all users can clean their hands comfortably. Advance Champion Supply offers a selection of mild, effective hand hygiene products suitable for diverse skin types.​

2. Install Accessible Dispensers

Physical limitations, whether due to age, injury, or disability, can make traditional dispensers difficult to use. Implementing touchless or easy-to-operate dispensers accommodates a wider range of users, promoting better hygiene practices. Our range includes various dispenser options designed for ease of use and compliance with accessibility standards.​

3. Ensure Reliable Maintenance and Supplies

A clean, well-stocked restroom reflects positively on your facility and encourages proper hand hygiene. Regular maintenance and prompt restocking prevent issues that could deter users from washing their hands. Advance Champion Supply provides comprehensive solutions, including quality products and maintenance support, to keep your restrooms in top condition.​
Cleaning & Maintenance Management

The cleaning professionals at Advance Champion Supply can help you establish a comprehensive handwashing program for your business. We are happy to visit with you, assess your current situation, and provide suggestions. We have everything you need to keep your place clean, healthy, and safe.

The post Enhancing Hand Hygiene Accessibility in Public Restrooms appeared first on Advance Paper & Maintenance Supply.

In late January PBS news reported that doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms were higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010

It further reported that 24 million illnesses from flu-like symptoms have occurred so far this season. In addition, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths have occurred according to data by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Apparently, the trend is not stopping because numbers keep pushing upward.

During the 2024-2025 season it has been reported that 57 pediatric deaths have occurred. Overall, 43 states have reported high or very high flu activity in the past few weeks. Most prevalent areas include the South, Southwest and West.

What can we do? First and foremost, handwashing is the most important thing to prevent the spread of viruses and germs. This is not only vital for adults but for children too. Children that are exposed to other students in a classroom setting can be susceptible to a variety of pathogens. Precautions like packing a bottle of hand sanitizer in a student’s backpack can go a long way towards the prevention of infection. However, nothing replaces proper handwashing with soap and water.

In addition, increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in your home and office will help mitigate the effects of the spread of germs and disease. Stock up on handwashing soap, alcohol hand sanitizer, all-purpose cleaner and disinfecting wipes to help protect you and those around you.

There is a proper way to clean and disinfect and it is a two-step process. For more help please contact the professionals at Advance Champion Supply for all you need to keep your space clean, healthy and safe.

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The growing trend toward sustainable cleaning practices and the awareness of eco-friendly preferences is a driving factor for the microfiber cleaning towel market. Microfiber towels offer a chemical-free alternative, reducing the need for cleaning products, all which appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses. With a heightened focus on sustainability across sectors, industries such as hospitality, automotive, healthcare, building service contractors and manufacturing have adopted microfiber towels in their cleaning practices and procedures.

Many facilities have outfitted themselves with a washer/dryer combination in order to reduce the cost and environmental footprint of cleaning towels. Microfiber towels can be washed with a traditional detergent without any bleach or softener needed. They can either be machine dried or air dried. Microfiber is very durable and typically can be washed hundreds of times before replacement is necessary.

The COVID pandemic heightened awareness around hygiene and cleanliness in both residential and commercial cleaning environments. Microfiber towels are known for their ability to remove bacteria and viruses from surfaces with the need for chemicals.

There is more to know about Microfiber cleaning towels and how they can benefit your cleaning operation. At Advance Champion Supply we are sales professionals with a vast knowledge of microfiber and how to best apply the technology.

Please reach out to us. We are here to help you.

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The Power of Giving in Business

The holiday season is often marked by stress and rushing from one task to another. But it’s also a time of family, fellowship, and reflection. By approaching your work with a mindset of giving and expecting nothing in return, you can make your clients’ lives easier and improve your team’s morale in the process. A simple gesture—going the extra mile for a customer or being a listening ear to a team member can make a big difference.

Helping others without expecting something in return can elevate both personal satisfaction and your company’s reputation.

Service Beyond Cleaning: Creating a Positive Impact

When you think about the role of a janitorial service, it’s easy to focus on maintaining clean and sanitary environments. However, there’s much more to this line of work. As you enter offices, schools, and commercial spaces, remember that you can enhance people’s daily lives. A well-maintained, spotless environment can bring peace of mind to your clients, and that sense of cleanliness and order creates a better work atmosphere for them.

As the year comes to a close and we enter this season of family, fellowship, and reflection, let’s all remember that giving with a full heart can change not only the lives of others but our own as well. Whether it’s through acts of service, charitable contributions, or simply a kind word, embracing the spirit of giving can uplift your business and brighten someone’s day.

By fostering gratitude and giving back, we build stronger communities, happier clients, and a more positive work environment. This holiday season, let’s make an effort to give more than we take and watch how it transforms our lives and the lives of those we serve.

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