The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the crucial role of cleanliness in maintaining public health. This is applicable not only to our residences and workplaces, where commercial cleaning services diligently ensure sanitation and order but also extends to various public spaces.
The challenge arises from the complexity of cleaning public spaces due to the diverse hygiene habits of the numerous individuals who visit and utilize these areas. Take public restrooms, for instance, which can easily become dirty due to the actions of a few irresponsible and unsanitary users.
Speaking of unclean restrooms, it can be inconvenient to use them when they are the only option available. Fortunately, platforms like Toilet Map and National Toilet Map exist to guide you to accessible and clean public restrooms across New Zealand.
While many public toilets in suburbs, particularly those frequented by tourists, are well-maintained, some cities worldwide set exceptional standards:
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Tokyo, Japan: Renowned for its polite and organized population, Tokyo boasts public toilets that are considered the global benchmark. Not only are these facilities exceptionally clean, but they also feature advanced technology, including bidets with adjustable water pressure and ambient sound to mask toilet noises. Some toilets even provide a baby seat for mothers traveling with infants.
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Zurich, Switzerland: Another city with remarkably clean toilets is Zurich, where public restrooms, known as water closets, offer bowls with dual flushes, a constant supply of toilet paper, and dedicated attendants for regular cleaning. While some toilets in Zurich have fees, the cleanliness and amenities justify the cost.
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Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm's public restrooms are spacious, well-maintained, and pleasant to use. Equipped with rotating, self-cleaning toilet seats, these facilities prioritize hygiene. Many toilets also feature cubicles with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors, ensuring privacy. Similar to Zurich, some public toilets in Stockholm may require fees.
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Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA: Colorado Springs stands out for its self-cleaning public toilet in Bancroft Park. With hands-free dispensers for soap, water, toilet paper, and dryers, these facilities minimize the spread of germs. The toilets are programmed to self-clean every 30 uses, and an app alerts supervisors when supplies are low.
Runner Up: Mumbai, India: Despite not being the first choice for clean toilets, Mumbai features an impressive facility called Lightbox, exclusively designed for women. Built around an existing tree, Lightbox provides a safe space for socialization with four toilets, a waiting area doubling as a gallery, vending machines for feminine hygiene products, phone charging points, and a panic alarm system.
Public toilets are typically breeding grounds for germs, making it noteworthy when facilities are not only clean but also enjoyable to use. Hopefully, public toilets worldwide, including those in New Zealand, can adopt the exemplary practices of these cities.
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