Washbasins and toilets in office complexes, restaurants, hotels, event venues, schools or universities, but especially in hospitals and care homes, need to be re-evaluated: touchless technology has matured and is helping to meet the increased hygiene requirements of the current times. The new demands being made of hygiene measures seem to be prompting a change of thinking in private households too: due to the latest developments, people have become far more sensitised to the importance of cleanliness and safeness. Touchless products will play a key role in this context because consumers will want to minimise contact with surfaces as much as possible.

More hygiene at the wash basin

The public toilet or private bathroom is taking on a vital role when it comes to complying with hygiene measures, because touching a conventional tap – especially in public bathrooms – should be avoided whenever possible. When the user first touches a conventional fitting, their hands are unwashed and can therefore transfer germs and viruses to its surface. At the same time, cross-contamination means there is a risk of picking up new germs and viruses after washing. Touchless taps could therefore be a good alternative for making the vehemently propagated precaution of hand-washing more hygienic. What’s more, the fittings hardly look any different from conventional taps nowadays: thanks to the ongoing miniaturisation of sensor technology, the design of the taps can be adapted to the architectural setting.

Dornbracht goes one step further with its Touchfree variant, which is compatible with all the manufacturer’s fittings series. Because it’s based on high-frequency technology, the system can dispense with an infrared eye. The HF sensor is positioned under the washbasin and is therefore invisible to the user. Functions like the temperature setting, shut-off time or cleaning stop are adjusted via a separate system box connected to a power supply. The range of the sensor can be adjusted to the operator’s requirements or the characteristics of the room. Thanks to the automatic on/off function, a substantial amount of water can be saved when users spend longer soaping and washing their hands – a not inconsiderable energy-saving benefit, especially when warm water is used.

In addition, the cycle time, the sensitivity of the sensor and the automatic hygiene rinse can be set using an app on a smartphone or tablet. The cleaning times, rinse intervals and rinse duration are adjusted individually. Both mains- and battery-operated fittings are available; the low-energy electronics ensure a long lifespan without having to change the battery. When retrofitting a sensor mixer, it’s often advisable to opt for the battery-powered version because installation doesn’t require an electrician and there’s no need to lift the tiles in order to lay cables.

Cleaner than clean

Another benefit of touchless taps becomes apparent when it comes to the cleaning of washbasins and fittings: because the user doesn’t have to touch any control elements, their hands generally stay below the spout during washing, which prevents water dripping off of their hands and onto the mixer. This results in fewer water marks and limescale deposits on the surface of the fitting, which makes cleaning easier. In addition, several models from Kludi allow the sensor to be deactivated while the basin is being cleaned.

Speaking of cleaning: nowadays you can even use soap without touching anything too – thanks to touchless soap dispensers like the one from Keuco’s Plan series. In addition to its function as a washbasin dispenser for foam soap or foam disinfectant, it can also be used to dispense hygiene foam for toilets. Hygiene foam is a simple way to transform ordinary toilet paper into a wet wipe that can be flushed down the toilet without causing blockages – a particularly interesting aspect for toilets in public places where the use of shower toilets is out of the question.

Touchless toilets

When it comes to minimising hand contact with surfaces, the digitisation of the toilet offers major advantages. The sensor technology behind the Visign for Style 25 sensitive, for instance, a flush plate from Viega, allows the flush to be activated without any contact at all. Instead, the user simply swipes their hand over the required function (accentuated by a grid of illuminated points). The larger zone represents the full flush option, the smaller area symbolises the water-saving alternative. In addition, the flush plate is finished with afterglow paint that recharges when exposed to both natural and artificial light. It can therefore serve as an orientation point in the dark so that the light doesn’t necessarily have to be switched on.

A toilet that thinks for itself

Villeroy & Boch even offers a toilet that can think for itself and activates the flush autonomously if the user forgets or isn’t able to do so. There is also a timer setting for this function to prevent germs building up in stagnant water when the building is vacant or its occupants are travelling.

In addition, the automatic flush adjustment feature ensures efficient use of water by identifying whether the user is standing or sitting. If it recognises a standing user, a smaller amount of water is used to flush the toilet as soon as he walks away; if the user is sitting down, the flush volume is regulated depending on the duration of use. Alternatively, the flush plate can also be operated manually – for instance if there’s a power failure.

Modern toilets offer more than just touchless flushing. Many toilets are available with optional features that mean the user doesn’t even have to touch the lid – such as Grohe’s Sensia Arena shower toilet model. Thanks to sensor technology, the lid automatically opens when the user approaches and closes again afterwards.

At least in terms of hand contact with surfaces, this permits the implementation of a virtually touchless hygiene concept – not just in public toilet facilities but in private bathrooms too. The only challenge remaining for product developers now is an automatic opening and locking system for the door.