Wash Troughs and Vanity Units

In high-traffic commercial environments such as motorway service stations, the design and specification of wash troughs and vanity units are critical to maintaining hygiene, durability, and user satisfaction. These fixtures must withstand constant use while remaining easy to maintain and clean. Key considerations include:

Wash troughs and vanity units should be constructed from non-porous, easy-to-sanitise materials. Solid surfaces such as Corian or HI-MACS, stainless steel, and high-quality ceramics are popular choices due to their resistance to bacteria and ease of disinfection. Seamless surfaces are preferred, as they minimise joints where dirt and bacteria can accumulate.

In a busy commercial environment, ease of cleaning is essential for operational efficiency. Integrated splashbacks, smooth contours, and wall-mounted designs reduce cleaning time and effort by limiting hard-to-reach areas. Materials resistant to staining and water spots help maintain a clean appearance between routine cleans.

Fixtures in service stations must be able to withstand constant use and occasional misuse. Heavy-duty materials, reinforced fixing systems, and vandal-resistant fittings contribute to a long product lifespan, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

Designs should consider a wide range of users, including children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Compliant heights, clear knee space under basins, and ergonomic tap placements improve accessibility. Integrating sensor-operated taps and soap dispensers further enhances usability and hygiene by reducing touchpoints.

Touchless technology is increasingly important in post-pandemic design. Sensor-activated taps, soap dispensers, and hand dryers minimise the risk of cross-contamination. Good drainage design, splash management, and antimicrobial coatings also contribute to a more hygienic wash area.