How to Maintain and Clean Commercial Baby Changing Stations for Public Washrooms
Restroom hygiene directly informs user perceptions, which means a facility cleanliness should be a top priority
For parents and caregivers, the state of your baby changing station is often the ultimate gauge of your establishment’s standards. Because these stations are used directly by infants and caregivers, users expect a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.
Failing to meet these expectations can impact:
- Customer retention: Patrons will shorten a visit or avoid returning to a business entirely due to poor washroom hygiene.
- Public trust: Dated, stained, or visibly worn changing tables signal a lack of regular maintenance.
- Business reputation: Patrons will make assumptions about your business based on the cleanliness of the facilities.
Addressing the primary complaint parents have about public restrooms — cleanliness — requires both proactive daily care providing a contemporary baby changing station appropriate for your washroom.
How to Keep Your Koala Kare Changing Stations in Shape
Keeping your Koala Kare baby changing station safe, clean, and ready for use requires routine maintenance, regular safety checks, and proper sanitation.
Maintenance Checklist: Structural and Safety
To incorporate your baby changing station into your routine facility maintenance checks, be sure to:
- Check the operation: Verify that the table opens and closes smoothly. If the unit’s bed opens too quickly or fails to close completely, replace the pneumatic shock mechanism.
- Inspect the safety strap: Look for fraying or other signs of damage. Replace immediately if compromised.
- Test the buckle: Ensure it clicks firmly into place and remains anchored at both ends.
- Check the dispensers: Make sure any built-in or wall-mounted liner and diaper bag dispensers are fully stocked.
- Inspect warning labels: Verify that all safety and operational labels are legible and undamaged.
Step-by-Step Cleaning and Sanitation Protocol
Follow these steps to clean the station’s cleaning bed during routine washroom cleaning:
- Remove surface dirt: Use a clean, soft-bristled nylon brush or a microfiber cloth to loosen and remove dirt and debris. Microfiber captures 25% to 35% more fine soil particles than standard terrycloth rags.
- Apply disinfectant: Spray a commercial-grade disinfectant evenly across all dry surfaces.
- Allow for dwell time: Leave the solution on the surface for 7 to 10 minutes to effectively neutralize surface pathogens. Do not wipe the surface dry; allow it to air dry naturally to complete the sanitation process.
Key Accessories for Maintaining a Hygienic Restroom
- Sanitary Bed Liners: Provide a clean barrier between the changing bed and the infant.
- The Diaper PouchTM disposal bags: Help contain dirty diapers and odors before disposal.
- Wall-mounted bag hook (sold separately): Keep personal belongings and diaper bags off the floor and within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacement parts are available for many components, although some damage may require replacing the entire unit. For help finding the product you have installed and replacement parts for your baby changing station, visit our Replacements Parts page.
Because Koala Kare changing surfaces are constructed from polypropylene infused with Microban® product protection, which inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria on the surface. However, it is important to kill pathogens like E. coli or norovirus without leaving a toxic residue that a baby can absorb through their skin or ingest by putting their hands in their mouth. For that reason, avoid using bleach, even if it is diluted with water. Instead, the industry standard for commercial washrooms is to use a mild detergent that is allowed to dwell and air dry.
Use a soft-bristled nylon brush or microfiber cloth paired with a disinfectant spray to scrub the weave of the strap. If the strap is frayed or permanently stained, replace it completely.
Koala Kare Sanitary Bed Liners are designed for use with all Koala Kare baby changing stations and fit both built-in and wall-mounted liner dispensers. Made from three-ply biodegradable paper in a moisture-resistant quilted design, the liners are 100% recyclable and made from 50% recycled material. Each case contains 500 liners.
We recommend regular checks while cleaning the baby changing stations. Ensure there are no odors or dirt on either the unit itself or the adjoining wall and floor. Regularly test that the table opens smoothly. Replace the shock kit if it drops heavily or falls quickly. If the baby changing station contains micro-cracks in the plastic, the unit should be replaced.
Time for a new baby changing station?
Even with regular maintenance, baby changing stations eventually reach the end of their life cycle. When routine cleaning is no longer enough to keep an aging station in good condition or if your current station looks really dated , it may be time for a replacement. The KB300 and KB301 feature built-in Microban product protection to help inhibit stain- and odor-causing bacteria between cleanings.
Whether you are looking to upgrade or need to keep your current equipment in top shape, we are here to help. Visit the Maintenance Matters page for comprehensive cleaning resources, care guides, and our replacement parts finder.
