Covid-19 has made a permanent mark on the perception, functionality and design of commercial restrooms. Just as 9/11 changed air travel and the iPod transformed how we listen to music, the coronavirus pandemic will forever change public bathroom design and how people perceive — and respond to — restrooms’ cleanliness and safety.

While cleanliness has always been a goal in designing restrooms, coronavirus has increased the need and expectation for creating hygienic, sterile and safe environments. Restrooms and plumbing systems in commercial businesses have rarely been under as much scrutiny as they are right now. Between germs on surfaces and the “toilet plume” of germs caused by flushing, public restrooms cause concern about contracting coronavirus and other disease-causing organisms. Therefore, hygiene is the new gold standard in restrooms. The general public, now used to the expectation for enhanced cleaning protocol in facilities, will likely continue to judge buildings and businesses by that elevated cleanliness standard.