As school bells ring and stadiums roar, this time of year signals the return of jam-packed schedules, crowded hallways, and a steady flow of guests through dining rooms, cafes, and concession stands. Whether you're cheering from the bleachers, navigating the school drop-off line, or managing the lunch rush at your restaurant, one thing is clear — hygiene matters more than ever.

From busy host stands to bustling restrooms, a few thoughtful hygiene upgrades can help keep both guests and staff healthy and your operations running efficiently.

Gentle on Hands, Tough on Germs

Let’s face it — handwashing isn’t always the first thing on guests’ minds, especially when they’re juggling Chicharrones Nachos in one hand, a toddler in the other, and doing their best not to wear their drink. While this busy season brings people together, it also brings an increase in germs. With more socializing and shared spaces, maintaining hygiene is essential to keeping everyone healthy and comfortable, whether they’re clocked in or just grabbing a bite.

That’s where an item like Tork® Extra Mild Foam Soap comes in handy. It’s super gentle — no dyes, fragrances, or harsh stuff — which makes it a great fit for places with sensitive skin in the mix (think: schools, gyms, and public venues where frequent handwashing is a must).

Why is it a game-changer? Because it’s not just about washing hands. It’s about making the experience pleasant enough that people want to do it. The mild formula ensures that even the most delicate of hands stay moisturized, irritation-free, and germ-free.

Bonus: It lasts a long time, which means fewer interruptions for staff to change out cartridges mid-shift.

High-Five for High Traffic

We’ve all had that moment when you go to grab a paper towel and the dispenser either jams, runs out, or offers you a sad little sheet of paper, about as useful as a soggy tortilla. Not ideal. The Tork PeakServe® Mini with its Continuous Hand Towels quietly fixes that. It’s compact and dispenses towels in 3 seconds flat. This means less time waiting, fewer frustrated air-drying guests (goodbye bathroom floor puddles), and reduced lines during game breaks or crowds.

This MVP of paper towel dispensers is designed for high-traffic areas with limited space. It’s sleek and a powerhouse when it comes to keeping the flow going — literally.

Tidy Tips:

• Keep a small checklist by your restroom supplies with time stamps and initials for quality control (soap check, towel level, dispenser wipe-down).

• Encourage your team to spot-check during slower periods — it takes 10 seconds and avoids those "uh-oh, this is gross" moments during high-volume periods.

• Mount dispensers near main traffic paths and entry points, and near a trash can, if possible.

• Check refill schedules alongside shift changes. It syncs well and avoids surprises and miscommunications.

Clean Hands, Full Sinks, Can’t Lose

Hygiene and sanitation aren’t always glamorous, but they’re one of the most important things you can offer your guests. A clean bathroom or prep area says, “we care,” without actually saying a word. And sometimes, your restroom is more memorable than the food you serve.

Real talk: When the soap smells clean, the paper towels don’t run out, and the bathroom isn’t downright dirty — people notice! Maybe not with applause and a standing ovation, but with quiet appreciation, confidence, and maybe a 5-star review.

From lunch breaks to concession stands, these products help create a cleaner, safer environment without slowing anyone down. You don’t need fancy gimmicks or over-the-top systems, just convenient tools that make your team’s job easier and your guests happier.

Stay clean, stay classy, and wash your hands!

*Content provided in partnership with Essity.