How to Care for an IMC Portable Hand Sink
Portable hand sinks are a convenient & quick solution for bringing hand washing on the go. With an easy setup & operation, they truly are the all-in-one solution for promoting hygiene. However, maintenance for them does not simply mean a quick daily wipe down. Other intricate parts must be addressed to keep your portable hand sink in optimal condition.
In this article, we will go over 4 ways to properly maintain your IMC portable hand sink – for both the exterior & interior. Let’s jump right in.
1. Simple Wipe Down Procedures
As with any other hand sink, remember to wipe down the entire hand sink. This includes the basin, faucet & soap dispenser. Leaving these important components untouched will lead to bacteria build-up & contamination.
For portable hand sinks, you’ll have to take this a step further by cleaning the backsplash (every angle), hinged door (both front & back), towel dispenser, sides & rear. Be as thorough as possible.
For cleaning utensils, use non-abrasive tools & cleansers. Use a mild solution like rubbing alcohol or baking soda & no harsh steel/wire tools. Here’s a quick infographic:
2. Manage & Sanitize Hoses
If you open up the door to your portable hand sink, you will notice clear plastic hoses in three areas:
1. Hand sink to waste water tank
2. Fresh water tank to water pump
3. Water pump to faucet system (square, gray box)
These hoses should be free of clogs at all times. You can regularly sanitize them using a 10% household bleach & water solution regularly to eliminate any build-up, and guarantee a clean flow of water.
3. Water Tank Maintenance
The waste water tank (marked with a red label) is in constant use during each service. In fact, the tank can fill up quickly. Check it regularly to see if it is full, and when it’s time to drain. Once the tank is empty, inspect it for any signs of mold or sediment build-up that may be lining the tank. Remove any visible signs of build-up before putting the tank back into rotation.
For the fresh water tank, make sure to only use COLD, potable water for each service. Also, only fill up the tank to the indicated water mark. Once again, check the tank for any signs of mold or bacteria build-up.
4. Stick to a Schedule
This means creating a daily, weekly & monthly maintenance schedule. Here is a breakdown of tasks, but feel free to adjust accordingly.
Daily Routine
- Do the basics – refer to tip #1. Remember to remove any debris from the drain & dry all surfaces!
- Mind the tanks – refer to tip #3. Empty each tank at the end of each service, NEVER RUN THE PORTABLE HAND SINK ON AN EMPTY FRESH WATER TANK.
- Unplug – When service is finished, unplug the outlet from the wall & stow away safely.
Weekly Routine
- Check the flow & temperature – Test out the faucet system on a weekly basis for appropriate flow & temperature. Make adjustments to the faucet system (that’s the gray box inside of the sink) for any temperature changes.
- Inspect connections – Occasionally, hoses & pipes may be knocked loose. Check for any connection issues & adjust.
- Damage check – Do a quick visual check of all parts for any cracks or wear & tear.
Monthly Routine
- Preventative maintenance – If you notice signs of decreased performance or accelerating wear, you should contact us to address the issue.
IMC/Teddy recently updated its portable hand sink system to give it a more streamlined layout & appearance. Even with the revision, maintenance is still crucial & should be a simple job if you follow the above guidelines. For more installation tips, please check out IMC’s manual for Model #PHS here. For more information on IMC’s portable hand sink system, click here.