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Top Features to Look for in a Mobile Handwashing Station

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By Ozark River Manufacturing

December 29, 2023

Handwashing is essential to ensuring hygiene. However, there are countless scenarios that make washing your hands less accessible. Permanent plumping is not always possible outdoors, such as when you are hosting an event, in remote areas or even work areas where you may be away from water sources, like in salons or tattoo parlors. 

Enter portable sinks or mobile handwashing stations — an easy and effective way to make water available for keeping hands clean no matter where you are!

5 Features to Look for When Buying a Mobile Handwashing Station

The perfect mobile handwashing station is a quality one that suits your exact needs. Here are the top features to look for in a mobile handwashing station: 

1. Portability and Stability

Of course, the most important portable sink feature has to be mobility — that’s what makes these stations so accessible and convenient! However, it is vital to strike a balance between ease of movement and a robust and stable handwashing station to suit the environment. One station may be easy to move around but lacks the stability you need for a busy outdoor environment, such as a concert. Understanding the needs of the environment is critical for setting up any equipment so make sure check out Choosing The Best Camping Sink for additional insight.

Check that your portable sink has casters for moving them around easily and a mechanism that locks in place so the sink remains stationary while in use. Also, opt for a sink made from a durable, quality material like stainless steel.

While the primary function of the portable sink is to offer mobility over stability, both are important. It is also crucial to remember to use the sink as intended — as a handwashing station and not as a sink for holding or cleaning heavy objects. 

2. Capacity and Efficiency

Another key factor to look for in a quality handwashing station is its water storage capacity and how the self-contained sink station works. Portable sinks are self-contained units that do not require any plumbing — this unique feature makes them so convenient to use and makes valuable water readily available even when plumbing is not possible. All you need is a power outlet to be able to pump or heat water from the unit’s built-in storage tanks, though some tanks work without electricity. When you open the tap, a pump moves the water from the storage tank to the faucet. After washing your hands, the water drains to a separate tank that houses the used water. 

If you want to maximize your mobile handwashing station, look for a portable sink that offers as much water storage as you need. The key to optimizing your station is to get as many handwashes as possible before refilling the unit. You can get tanks as large as 10 gallons, which offer around 80 handwashes before you need to refill. A large water storage tank means you do get to refill less often, but also keep in mind that the larger the storage capacity, the heavier the sink will be to move around. 

You can also optimize your mobile handwashing station by including accessories. Practical accessories that maximize your portable sink setup include additional water tanks, a cart and hose kit for convenient refilling, step stools, soap kits and paper towel holders.

3. Hot Water Availability

The most essential elements to keep your hands clean are fresh water and soap. So, does hot water make a difference? According to The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, water should be at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively remove oils, which can harbor bacteria. 

Mobile handwashing stations like the ones that Ozark River Manufacturing offers provide you with the option of having cold and hot water. If your portable sink is outside and you are in a colder region, warm water is a comfort and key to encouraging people to wash their hands regularly. 

4. Durability and Maintenance

The right type of handwashing station depends mainly on what you need it for. If your handwashing station is primarily outdoors, you will need something that does not rust — stainless steel would be ideal. You also want to ensure the quality of the parts, like the pump, to get the best value. Another bonus is purchasing from a manufacturer that stocks parts if you need to replace any components.

Maintaining your portable sink is essential to make the most out of it. Follow these tips to keep your portable sink in top condition: 

  • Only fill your tanks with filtered water to avoid scale buildup associated with using hard water. 
  • Avoid storing your sink below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as freezing temperatures can damage the components and void your warranty. 
  • Since some portable sinks need a power outlet to pump water, they should be stored and kept dry and away from water to keep the power cord — and everyone who uses the sink — safe. 
  • Keep your cleaning routine simple. Only use your brand’s recommended portable sink cleaner to wash out the tanks weekly, and never use bleach. Also, keep the filter and cabinets clean. 

5. Compliance With Health and Safety Standards

Mobile handwashing stations offer much-needed sanitation units, but with sanitation comes health and safety regulations, and it is crucial that the portable sink you purchase meets those standards. Ozark River offers a hand washing sink line that is National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified, so you know that any sink you get from an Ozark River collection meets strict health and safety standards. 

Mobile Handwashing Station Essentials

A portable sink is the foundation of your mobile handwashing station, but there are some essential accessories you can add to the station to optimize your setup. Consider having a few of these accessories or look for portable handwashing stations that include some of the following elements: 

  • Soap dispenser: Soap is crucial to washing hands properly, so a portable sink that features a soap dispenser is a must. 
  • Towel holder: Drying your hands is an important step in hand hygiene practices. A paper towel holder is a convenient element.
  • Step stool: Make your mobile handwashing station as accessible and inclusive as possible by adding a step stool to your setup. 

Making the Right Choice With Ozark River

Choosing the right sink for your company or organization is paramount for prioritizing hygiene. When you choose a mobile handwashing station, you invest in a healthier environment for everyone around you. 

At Ozark River, we strive to make healthy handwashing anywhere a reality with our quality sinks. We design and manufacture self-contained, portable sinks that are certified by the NSF. Our sinks offer hot and cold water as well as a built-in soap dispenser. 

Find premium products to suit your needs by checking out our collection of portable sinks and accessories on our website. You can also contact us online for any further assistance! 

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Ozark River Manufacturing

Ozark River Manufacturing designs and delivers top-quality, NSF-certified portable sinks. Since 2006, our inventive and bold team has ensured health compliance with quick-connect tanks and instant hot water. With over 55 models, we provide solutions for every need, backed by exceptional customer support and timely delivery. Healthy people matter, and we make a positive impact every day.

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