ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Smelly away-from-home washrooms are costing British businesses dear, as latest research says poor washroom reviews drag down hospitality establishments' Tripadvisor ratings by an average of one full star.

Initial Washroom Hygiene analysed over 80,000 Tripadvisor reviews for 200 hospitality venues across the UK, in order to understand the correlation between negative reviews relating to the smell and cleanliness of washroom toilets and overall star ratings.

The research was carried out on the company's behalf by Opinium. It found that 92 per cent of respondents have experienced unpleasant smells in public washrooms, with 78 per cent reporting this would make them less likely to visit again. Conversely, 76 per cent stated that a positive experience in a public washroom would make them more likely to spend with a business.

Toilets appearing dirty or unclean (68 per cent) and having a bad odour (62 per cent) are the top reasons putting people off using public washrooms, followed by human waste on the floor (52 per cent), wet floors (47 per cent) and a lack of soap (41 per cent).

When asked what types of businesses generally provide the best quality public washroom facilities for customers, visitors and staff, hotel accommodation ranked highest (47 per cent), with banks and estate agents ranked the lowest (nine per cent).

High street restaurants also appear to be missing the mark, with only a third (30 per cent) of respondents reporting they provide quality washrooms, with local pubs (23 per cent) and bars (20 per cent) also lagging behind.

www.initial.co.uk