Do You Have to Touch Urinal Screens? A Hygiene Guide for Cleaners

Urinal screens are essential for keeping commercial bathrooms clean and odour-free — but many cleaners and facilities staff ask the same question: do you have to touch them?

This guide covers everything you need to know about hygienically handling urinal screens in New Zealand workplaces, including safety tips, product options, and how to avoid direct contact.

Are Urinal Screens Safe to Handle?

Yes, most commercial urinal screens are safe to handle with gloves. They’re designed with cleaning staff in mind — typically made from antimicrobial plastics and used with PPE like disposable gloves.

However, best practice is to minimise contact whenever possible.

Want to understand more about why urinal screens matter in the first place? Check out our article: What Are Urinal Screens For? A Simple Guide for NZ Workplaces — it covers their purpose, how they work, and why they’re essential for keeping commercial washrooms fresh and hygienic.

When Do You Replace Them?

Urinal screens generally need to be replaced every 30 days — or every 2–3 weeks in high-traffic facilities like schools, gyms, or factories. Screens with built-in enzymes or fragrance blocks lose their effectiveness over time and should be changed before odours return.

Tip: Choose screens with date tabs or visual wear indicators to make replacement timing easier.

For more detail on how often to change screens based on traffic and workplace type, check out our article: How Long Do Urinal Screens Last in a Busy Workplace Bathroom?. It breaks down replacement frequency and practical advice for high-use facilities in New Zealand.

How to Replace Urinal Screens Hygienically

Follow these steps to keep things clean:

1. Wear disposable gloves

2. Use a small bag or liner to remove the used screen

3. Dispose of it in the appropriate waste bin

4. Wipe down the urinal surface before placing a new screen

5. Wash or sanitise hands and tools after the job

Pro Tip: Some screens come with a removal tab or handle, reducing the need to touch the screen at all.

Touch-Free Urinal Screen Options

Modern hygiene-focused designs include:

• Screens with installation/removal handles

• Touch-free enzyme block systems

• Disposable cartridges for enclosed systems

These are ideal for cleaners who service multiple locations or deal with high-traffic bathrooms.

Conclusion

Urinal screens don’t need to be a messy job. With the right products and proper hygiene protocols, your team can service commercial washrooms safely and efficiently.

Explore Insinc’s range of hygienic urinal screens and washroom supplies — built to support New Zealand cleaners and facility teams.