Jeff's Stuff

Public restrooms. When you need one, they are invaluable. Still, there's something I just don't understand. There have been more and more discussions recently in the news, and online regarding the importance of handwashing. Washing your hands can prevent myriad diseases. This is especially true after using the bathroom.

For years, restrooms in restaurants have had signs warning employees that they are required to wash their hands before returning to work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been telling us to wash our hands. Most people realize that handwashing is important, especially after using the restroom.

So why is it that it is so hard to do this? Modern technology and rampant cost-cutting run amok! Now I'm the first one to embrace new technologies. Still, there are certain places where I just don't need it. I'm speaking primarily of automatic faucets and automatic paper towel dispensers.

We've all seen these horrific gadgets, rationing both water and paper products. The trouble is, generally they don't work very well. The automatic water saving faucets usually only run for a few seconds before shutting off. The water never gets hot enough to properly clean your hands. Some of them employ spring-loaded buttons. Since the water has to run continuously to heat up, you must continue to press and repress the button. This only increases the likelihood of contamination from the button itself.

Paper towel dispensers are no better. Now my hands are wet I find myself waiting them around frantically trying to convince these stupid machines to dispense a paper towel. These devices are designed to give me a single sheet. Of course, the recycled paper they use in them is about as absorbent as aluminum foil. A single sheet is next to useless. Therefore I find myself waving my hands again and again in front of the machine hoping that it will take pity on me. Ultimately, I think it's the waving of the hands in the air that dries them. Otherwise, it ends up being my jeans. Either way, they rarely work. Air dryers are the exception to this. They work fine and seem to work adequately.

So if you run a business and have a public restroom, here are some suggestions. First, install faucets with big handles that can be turned on and of with the elbows. Secondly, get rid of automatic paper towel dispensers and install air dryers or simply put in a paper towel dispenser. Don't even think about automatic faucets.

Note: I know it's been a long time since I've posted. You see, I've been busy car shopping. I plan to compile my thoughts on the process, as well as tips I've learned along the way. You can look forward to seeing these here in the next few days. That is, once I managed to go through the 429 pages of the owner's manuals.