How Do Portable Hand Washing Stations Work?

Using porta potties is never an A+ experience, but it’s a whole lot worse if you can’t wash your hands afterward. If you’re organizing any type of event with portable sanitation, it’s essential to have clean, functional, hand washing stations – it can honestly have a huge impact on your guests’ experiences.

For anyone looking into portable hand washing solutions for an event or workplace, it’s essential to have an idea of how they function. So, how do portable hand washing stations work? We’ll explain everything you need to know in this guide.

Here at Viking Rentals, we have an unmatched 50 years of experience in portable sanitation. We’re your experts for premium sanitation solutions, from porta potties to hand washing and sanitizing stations. Call us to learn how we can keep your guests clean, safe, and happy at your next event!

What is a Portable Hand Washing Station?

So, how do portable hand washing stations work? Before we answer that question, let’s first take a look at what these stations actually are. Basically, a portable hand washing station is a self-contained unit that provides access to running water for hand hygiene in locations without permanent plumbing.

These stations are designed for mobility, allowing for easy setup in a variety of environments, like outdoor or temporary spaces. Typically equipped with a water reservoir, soap dispensers, and paper towel holders, these stations offer an efficient way to promote sanitation and hygiene.

Benefits of Portable Sink Stations

These stations can be easily transported to different locations, making them ideal for temporary or remote settings. They require no plumbing installation and can be set up quickly. And, by providing access to clean water and soap, they reduce the risk of contamination and illness.

Plus, some stations are designed with sustainability in mind, using foot pumps or sensor-activated systems to conserve water and minimize waste, and recycled paper towels for hand drying.

Finally, in many industries, portable hand washing stations help meet health and safety regulations like the OSHA hand washing station requirements, ensuring businesses comply with sanitation standards.

Common Applications

Portable hand washing stations are used across a wide range of industries and events, including construction sites, outdoor events like festivals and fairs, temporary classrooms, and emergency or mobile healthcare settings like vaccination clinics or disaster relief areas.

How Do Portable Hand Washing Stations Work?

So, how do portable hand washing stations work? These stations operate using a simple yet effective system that allows users to wash their hands thoroughly, ensuring cleanliness and safety in various settings. Let’s take a closer look.

Water Source and Supply

The water supply in portable hand washing stations typically comes from a built-in reservoir or tank. These tanks can hold several gallons of water, allowing for multiple uses before needing a refill.

Water can be dispensed in two ways, the first being through manual operation, where users activate the water flow with a foot pump or hand lever, drawing water from the tank. This method conserves water by only releasing it as needed.

The second method of water dispensing is automatic systems. Some portable hand washing models feature sensors that detect hand movement, dispensing water without the need for physical contact. These are particularly useful for reducing the spread of germs.

The water reservoir can be filled manually with fresh water before use, and in some advanced models, it can be connected to a temporary water supply to ensure a continuous flow of water throughout the event.

Soap and Hand Sanitizer Dispensers

Most portable hand washing stations have liquid soap dispensers, which may be manually pumped or sensor-activated. Some units have hand sanitizer dispensers for quick and convenient sanitation when water, soap, and paper towels aren’t available or necessary.

Like water dispensers, some soap dispensers are sensor-activated to minimize contact and enhance hygiene. Some stations offer both soap and hand sanitizer options, while some have either soap or sanitizer.

Waste Water Collection

One of the most important features of a portable hand washing station is its waste water collection system. After use, the water is collected in a separate, built-in waste tank. These tanks are designed to securely hold the used water until they can be emptied and cleaned.

Because the waste tank is self-contained, it can easily be detached and emptied at designated disposal points or sewage systems, allowing for safe and environmentally responsible waste management.

Maintaining Portable Hand Washing Stations to Keep Them Working Well

Portable hand washing stations are the perfect temporary sanitary solutions, but they need to be properly maintained throughout your event. Here’s a look at the type of upkeep that’s required to keep your portable hand washing station working properly.

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Station

Just like learning how to clean a porta potty yourself is important, cleaning your hand washing station is equally critical to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and harmful bacteria. Routine cleaning ensures that the station remains safe and sanitary for users.

For daily cleaning (or any time it’s needed), wipe down surfaces, especially high-touch areas like faucet handles, soap dispensers, and the basin, with disinfectant wipes or a mild cleaning solution.

At least once a week, conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire unit, including scrubbing the basin and sanitizing all external surfaces. Be sure to clean any nooks and crevices where dirt and bacteria may accumulate.

It’s also important to periodically sanitize the water tank to prevent the growth of bacteria or algae. This can be done using a mild bleach solution or specialized tank cleaners.

Refilling Water, Soap, and Paper Towel Dispensers

Making sure the station is well-stocked with water, soap, sanitizer, and paper towels is essential for uninterrupted use. Regular checks and refills will keep the station functional and hygienic, and prevent users from becoming frustrated.

Check the water reservoir daily or as usage demands. Refill it with fresh, clean water to ensure users always have access to running water. If the station is in high-demand areas, more frequent refills may be necessary.

Waste Management and Disposal

Managing the waste water and other waste products is critical for keeping the station clean and functional. Proper waste disposal also prevents any unpleasant odors or contamination in the area. A similar logic applies if you’re wondering how to keep porta potty from smelling.

Waste water tanks should be emptied when they reach capacity or as part of regular maintenance. Ensure that the waste is disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, such as in a designated sewage disposal site.

Monitor the waste tanks closely, especially during busy events or in high-traffic areas, to prevent overflow. Overflowing waste tanks can create sanitation hazards and unpleasant conditions for users. Nothing worse than an unpleasant spell when you’re trying to sanitize your hands!

How to Choose the Right Portable Sanitation Solution

So, we’ve explained how a portable hand washing station works, but what do you need to keep in mind when you’re choosing one? Here’s how to choose the right portable sanitation solution for your needs.

Types of Portable Hand Washing Stations

There are several types of portable hand washing stations to choose from, each suited for different environments and uses:

Basic hand pump stations: These require manual pumping to dispense water, making them ideal for small, low-traffic areas or places where electricity is unavailable.
Foot pump stations: Commonly used for events and worksites, these stations allow users to operate the water flow hands-free, reducing the spread of germs and conserving water.
Sensor-activated stations: These high-end models are equipped with touchless sensors that automatically dispense water and soap, providing a more hygienic option for high-traffic or health-sensitive environments.
Hot water stations: Some portable units come with built-in water heaters, offering warm water for hand washing in cold weather or for extra comfort and hygiene.
Hand sanitizer units: Single hand sanitizer units are easy to install on portable toilet walls, while 2-unit and 4-unit hand sanitizer stations are ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Another option is to come up with a DIY portable hand washing station, but this is more complicated, time-consuming, and expensive than it may seem at first.

Size and Capacity Considerations

Just like there are different porta potty sizes to choose from, there are also varying sizes and capacities of portable hand washing stations. Small stations are ideal for personal or small group use and have limited water and waste capacity, making them best suited for short-term or low-traffic situations.

Medium-sized stations have greater capacity and are perfect for events, construction sites, or schools that see moderate traffic throughout the day. Some are designed to serve multiple users simultaneously, featuring multiple sinks or handwashing units.

Ideal for big gatherings, heavy foot traffic, or extended use, large stations have high water and waste tank capacities, ensuring they can handle continuous use without frequent refilling or waste disposal.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re choosing a portable hand washing station, there are certain features that can enhance both convenience and hygiene. Choose which of these features are most important to you, and find a portable hand sanitation station that offers them:

Hands-free operation (either via foot pumps or sensor-activated stations)
Large water and waste tanks (important for larger events or high-usage areas)
Foam soap/sanitizer dispensers vs liquid vs gel
Built-in paper towel dispensers
Durability and stability (especially important for longer-term and outdoor usage)
Ease of cleaning and maintenance with accessible tanks and dispensers

Once you have an idea of the features that matter the most to you, you can find a portable hand washing station that feels like it was custom-made for you!

Why Renting is Often Better Than Buying

Renting a portable hand washing station is the obvious choice if you only need it for short-term usage, but surprisingly, it’s also usually a better solution for long-term use as well! The portable hand washing station rental cost is lower than you’d think, especially compared to purchasing a unit.

Plus, rental services often include maintenance, cleaning, and waste disposal as part of the package, saving you the time and effort of managing these tasks – you can just leave it to the experts!

Renting also gives you the flexibility to choose the right model for different situations without the long-term commitment of purchasing. Plus, rental companies usually offer the latest models with advanced features, ensuring you get the most efficient and hygienic solution available.

Ensure Hygenic Conditions at Any Job Site or Event With Our Portable Hand Wash Station Rental!

At Viking Rentals, we have a premium selection of portable hand washing stations for you to choose from. From full-on sinks to compact hand sanitizers (available in single, 2-unit, and 4-unit models), we’ve got all your needs covered. You can also contact us to discuss restroom trailer rental costs and porta potty decorating ideas!

Not sure what you’re looking for? Our team has over 50 years of experience – we’ve seen every scenario out there! Let us know more about your event or workplace and we’ll point you in the right direction of an affordable, quality unit that meets your every need. Reach out for:

Not only do we have a wide selection of models and styles to choose from, but many of our units offer advanced features like optional water heaters, high-capacity foam soap and sanitizer dispensers, as well as compact and maintenance-friendly designs. We’re the #1 choice for a reason!

Final Thoughts on How Portable Hand Washing Stations Work

Clean hands are important for your health and safety, but in many cases, it’s also a legal requirement to provide adequate hand washing facilities. Portable hand washing stations are a great solution for outdoor events and workplaces, as well as gyms, restaurants, schools, and more.

How do portable hand washing stations work? Basically, they provides all the supplies needed to remove 99% of germs from your hands, either via washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer. They’re simple, effective, and essential for hand hygiene.

At Viking Rental, we have the best selection of affordable hand washing stations for rent. And, with five decades of industry experience, we’ll make sure your every requirement is met and do all we can to set you up for success. Call us today to request a quote!