If you’ve seen ice in restaurant or hotel toilets, you might wonder, “Why?” Usually used for cooling drinks, ice in restrooms has a different, practical purpose. In this article, we’ll explore why restaurants and hotels use ice in toilets and how it helps keep these busy places clean and functional.
Restaurants and hotels have high foot traffic, and restrooms are among the busiest areas, especially men’s restrooms with constantly – used urinals. Keeping restrooms clean and odor – free is tough due to frequent use. Despite regular cleaning, urine odors can quickly build up.
Here comes the simple yet smart solution: ice in the toilet. Odd as it may seem, using ice in urinals is a practical, cost – effective way to keep restrooms cleaner and fresher longer.
Odor Control
One main reason for using ice in toilets is odor control. Urine in a warm environment releases ammonia gas, causing that bad restroom smell. The cold ice slows down ammonia gas evaporation. When urine touches the ice, the cold suppresses gas release, neutralizing the odor. The ammonia gas dissolves into the ice, which then melts and flushes away. This cooling effect greatly reduces the unpleasant smell, making the restroom more pleasant for guests.
Bacteria Growth Prevention
Placing ice in urinals also slows bacteria growth. Restrooms, with high humidity and warmth, are ideal for bacteria. By lowering the urinal temperature, ice creates an environment less suitable for bacteria. Fewer bacteria mean fewer odors and a cleaner restroom for longer. Ice also prevents waste from sticking to the urinal walls, making cleaning easier for janitorial staff. With less bacteria and waste buildup, the restroom’s overall hygiene improves, even during peak hours.
Drain Unclogging
Besides odor and bacteria control, ice helps unclog drains in busy restrooms. When flushed, ice creates natural pressure to push down light waste like toilet paper or debris, preventing clogs. The ice’s cool temperature also breaks down some materials, making them easier to pass through pipes. While it can’t solve major plumbing issues, it helps with minor blockages, ensuring the restroom stays functional during high – traffic times.