How to Choose Lockers That Reduce the Transmission of Bacteria and Viruses

Antimicrobial lockers. Lockers are touched all day. Doors. Handles. Locks. These are shared contact points. Therefore, your locker choice matters for hygiene. Antimicrobial lockers with the right materials, coatings, and designs help reduce microbial transfer. So does the right locking system and a disciplined cleaning plan. This guide explains how to specify lockers that actively support infection control across schools, healthcare, leisure, and workplaces.

For product examples and configuration support, see Total Locker Service and our blog.

The Hygiene Problem: High-Touch Surfaces

Hands spread microbes between people and surfaces. Locker banks concentrate contact. Consequently, you need solutions that are easy to clean, resist moisture, and minimise shared touchpoints. UK guidance is clear: keep high-touch surfaces clean and disinfected on a routine schedule. See GOV.UK cleaning guidance, NHS standards, and UKHSA guidance.

What “Hygienic Locker” Actually Means

• Materials that tolerate regular disinfection and resist moisture.
• Coatings tested for antibacterial or antiviral activity.
• Design that eliminates dirt traps and aids rapid cleaning.
• Touchpoint reduction using contact-free access where possible.
• Ventilation to keep interiors dry.
• Accessories (sloping tops, stands) that support cleaning regimes.

Choose the Right Materials

Steel with Antimicrobial Powder Coating

Modern steel lockers can be finished with antibacterial coatings. The Probe ActiveCoat system is a common example supplied through TLS. See Probe Metric Lockers datasheet and Probe colour chart. These finishes reduce microbial counts but must complement cleaning. For context, see ISO 22196 and ISO 21702.

Plastic (HDPE) for Wet and Harsh Areas

Plastic lockers resist rust and moisture. They are ideal for pools, wet changing rooms, and outdoors. Explore eXtreme Outdoor Plastic Lockers and the eXtreme leaflet. For alternative HDPE, see PURE Extrema Plastic.

Compact Laminate (SGL)

Solid-grade laminate doors are tough and waterproof. Smooth faces reduce dirt traps and speed cleaning. See Laminate Door Lockers and Low Height Laminate Lockers for younger users.

Design Features That Reduce Microbial Spread

Ventilation, flush surfaces, and sloping tops all improve hygiene. Ventilated lockers dry faster and resist mould. Sloping tops prevent clutter, and stands raise lockers off the floor for easier cleaning. For examples, see Wire Mesh Lockers and the Probe Metric datasheet.

Reduce Shared Touchpoints with Better Locks

Contact-Free RFID

RFID locks open with a card, fob, wristband, or mobile device. This reduces shared keys and improves hygiene. See RFID Locks overview, Aspire RFID, and Ojmar OTS RFID.

Coin and Code Options

Where coins are necessary, choose adjustable coin locks to future-proof the system. Manufacturer details are in the Ojmar PDF.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Even the best lockers rely on consistent cleaning. Use neutral detergent, then disinfect. Wipe touchpoints frequently. Document cleaning frequencies. See GOV.UK cleaning guidance, NHS IPC standards, and WHO cleaning advice.

Sector-Specific Guidance

Healthcare: Steel lockers with ActiveCoat. RFID access. Sloping tops. See Probe datasheet.

Schools: SGL doors for durability. Low-height lockers. RFID bands. See Low Height Laminate Lockers.

Leisure: Plastic (HDPE) or SGL lockers. RFID wristbands. Adjustable coin locks. See Outdoor Lockers and Ojmar Coin Locks.

Industry: Clean/dirty separation lockers and garment dispensers. Ventilation important. See Clean & Dirty Lockers and Garment Dispensers.

A Seven-Point Hygiene Checklist

• Steel with antibacterial coating, or SGL/HDPE for wet zones.
• Coatings tested under ISO 22196 and ISO 21702.
• Contact-free locks to cut shared keys.
• Ventilation panels or mesh where needed.
• Sloping tops and stands in high hygiene sites.
• Moisture-resistant materials in damp areas.
• Embed cleaning routines from GOV.UK and NHS standards.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial lockers. Hygienic lockers are a practical control measure. Materials, coatings, and design reduce risk. Contact-free locks and ventilation improve safety. Sloping tops and stands help cleaning. With a clear cleaning plan, your locker room becomes a safer, cleaner space for everyone. For help with specifications, visit Total Locker Service.