When hygiene is discussed, the focus is often on cleaning routines, handwashing practices and maintenance schedules. All of these play an important role in keeping washrooms safe and pleasant to use.
But, long-term hygiene starts earlier than many people realise.
The design of the washroom itself has a significant influence on how clean and hygienic it can remain over time.
When washrooms are built with carefully chosen materials, appropriate levels of privacy and durability suited to demanding environments, they naturally support better hygiene. In many cases, good design reduces problems before they occur, making ongoing cleaning more effective and less reactive.
Materials Matter
The materials used within washroom cubicles have a lasting impact on hygiene performance. At Dunhams, we work extensively with Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) because it consistently performs well in challenging washroom environments.
SGL is non‑porous, completely waterproof and has a smooth, sealed surface. This means it can be cleaned easily and thoroughly, without moisture, bacteria or dirt being absorbed into the material. Over time, this helps washroom cubicles remain hygienic, visually clean and structurally sound.
By comparison, materials such as chipboard or MDF are more vulnerable. These materials naturally absorb moisture, particularly in humid or high‑use washrooms. As they take on water, panels can swell, soften or warp, creating surface damage. Once this happens, effective cleaning becomes more difficult because the surface is no longer smooth or sealed.
Moisture is one of the biggest ongoing challenges in any washroom. Steam from showers, wet floors, inconsistent ventilation and high user numbers all contribute to a demanding environment. Materials that absorb water can develop mould, odours or staining over time. Because SGL does not absorb moisture, it avoids these issues and helps washrooms stay fresher and easier to maintain for longer.
Privacy Supports Better Washroom Use
Good hygiene is influenced not only by materials, but also by how people feel when using a space.
Washrooms that offer appropriate privacy tend to be calmer and more comfortable to use. In turn, this often leads to more considerate behaviour. In environments such as schools, leisure facilities and other high‑traffic settings, improved privacy can help reduce stress, discourage misuse and limit unnecessary mess.
Our Altitude cubicle system are designed to provide enhanced privacy while still allowing for durability, ventilation and ease of cleaning. When users feel comfortable and respected, the washroom environment naturally benefits from improved day‑to‑day cleanliness.
In this way, thoughtful design supports hygiene not just physically, but behaviourally as well.
How Poor Design Can Create Hidden Hygiene Issues
Some hygiene challenges are built into washrooms from the outset, often unintentionally. Common design issues can include:
- Gaps or details that collect dirt and moisture
- Panels or surfaces placed too close to wet areas
- Inadequate ventilation that allows humidity to linger
- Exposed materials that wear down over time
While these details may seem small, they can make cleaning more difficult and allow problems to develop unnoticed. Good washroom design takes these factors into account early, removing dirt traps, supporting cleaning teams and helping prevent hygiene issues rather than continually reacting to them.
Good Hygiene Starts with Good Design
On World Hygiene Day, it’s worth reflecting on the fact that hygiene is not only about how often a washroom is cleaned, but also about how well it has been designed and built.
Durable materials, resistance to moisture, thoughtful layouts and suitable privacy levels all contribute to washrooms that remain clean, safe and hygienic over the long term.
At Dunhams, we believe that effective washroom hygiene is supported by good design choices made at the very beginning.
Looking for advice on cleaning and maintaining SGL panels? You can download our practical cleaning guide here.
