Category Five Technologies
Category Five Insights
Practical ideas, industry trends, and smarter facility solutions — delivered monthly to facility managers, maintenance directors, and building professionals.
Current Issue
July
2026
Issue #1
Welcome to Issue #1
This is our first edition of Category Five Insights — a monthly resource built for the people who keep facilities running. Each issue features product spotlights, real installation projects, quick tips, and industry news relevant to commercial restrooms, hydration, and facility maintenance.
This Month's Insight
3 Easy Ways to Modernize Your Commercial Restroom Without a Full Renovation
A full restroom gut-renovation isn't always in the budget — but that doesn't mean your facility has to stay stuck in the past. Here are three targeted upgrades that deliver a modern look and improved performance without tearing out tile.
1. Upgrade to Touchless Fixtures
Modern restrooms are increasingly designed around touchless technology — and for good reason. Replacing manual faucets and soap dispensers with touchless alternatives instantly creates a cleaner, more contemporary appearance while improving convenience for visitors, employees, and guests. Touchless fixtures also reduce contact with handles, help limit visible wear, and simplify daily cleaning routines. For high-traffic commercial facilities, that makes them both a design upgrade and a practical maintenance improvement.
Modern, streamlined appearance
Streamlined fixtures help the restroom feel newer, cleaner, and better planned.
Hands-free convenience
Visitors can use water and soap without operating manual handles.
Cleaner user experience
Touchless operation supports a restroom that feels cleaner and easier to use.
Reduced daily wear
Fewer moving touch points can help simplify maintenance over time.
Pro Tip: Matching finishes across faucets, soap dispensers, grab bars, toilet paper holders, and other accessories creates a more cohesive, high-end look throughout the entire restroom.
2. Replace Paper Towels with Modern Hand Dryers
Nothing makes a restroom feel messy faster than overflowing trash bins, wet paper towels around the sink area, and bulky dispensers. Modern hand dryers provide a cleaner, more streamlined alternative that reduces clutter and gives the room a more polished appearance. Today's commercial hand dryers are available in a wide range of styles, finishes, and mounting options — making it easier to complement nearly any restroom design. For many facilities, this is one of the fastest ways to modernize the sink and exit area.
Sleek restroom design
Modern hand dryers make the wall area look cleaner, simpler, and more intentional.
Less paper usage
Facilities can reduce dependence on disposable paper towel supplies.
Lower maintenance demand
Less paper restocking and less trash removal simplifies daily restroom service.
Cleaner overall look
Removing bulky paper systems opens up visual space around sinks and exits.
Pro Tip: For commercial renovation projects, compare high-speed, recessed, ADA-friendly, stainless steel, and hands-in models. The right choice depends on traffic level, available wall space, electrical requirements, and the overall design of the restroom. ProDryers can help you compare options from Excel Dryer, Dyson Airblade, World Dryer, and more.
3. Install Contemporary Restroom Partitions
Restroom partitions occupy a large portion of the visual space, making them one of the most noticeable upgrades in a commercial restroom. Older metal partitions with dents, scratches, rust, or outdated colors can make even a clean restroom feel worn down. Newer partition systems feature cleaner lines, updated materials, improved privacy options, and contemporary finishes. Matte black, textured laminate, solid plastic, and stainless steel options can instantly make the entire restroom feel more intentional and better maintained.
Contemporary design
Updated colors and materials help the restroom feel more current.
Improved privacy
Modern layouts and privacy options create a more comfortable user experience.
Premium materials
Better materials support a more durable, professional restroom design.
Easier maintenance
Choosing the right partition material can make cleaning and upkeep simpler.
Pro Tip: If your restroom already has updated sinks and lighting, replacing the partitions can be the upgrade that finally makes the entire room look finished.
Modern restrooms not only look better, they create a more positive experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Read Full ArticleProduct Spotlight
Excel XLERATOR® Hand Dryer
The XLERATOR is the original high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryer — and it remains the gold standard for commercial restrooms. With a 10–15 second dry time and up to 80% energy savings over traditional dryers, it's a smart upgrade for any facility.
- Dries hands in 10–15 seconds
- Up to 80% energy savings vs. traditional dryers
- Available in surface-mount and recessed models
- MADE IN USA — manufactured in East Longmeadow, MA
- ADA compliant models available
Did You Know?
According to Excel Dryer, replacing paper towels with high-speed hand dryers can reduce restroom operating costs by up to 95%, depending on facility usage and operating conditions.
Source: Excel Dryer Cost Savings Calculator
Quick Facility Tip
Schedule a restroom walk-through at the start of each quarter. Check the operation of touchless fixtures, inspect hand dryer air intake screens for dust or lint buildup, and verify that trash receptacles, cleaning equipment, or temporary signage haven't obstructed required ADA clearances or access to restroom fixtures.
Customer Project Spotlight
Mid-MI Builders
A big thank you to Mid-MI Builders for sharing these installation photos of their recently completed XLERATOR® hand dryer project. They have been a loyal customer and we recommend them to all local companies looking for Michigan restroom renovations. We love seeing our products become part of quality commercial projects and appreciate them letting us share their work.
Visit Mid Michigan Builders on FacebookMeet the Team
Featured Employee
Marketing Coordinator
Marissa
As our marketing coordinator, Marissa has redefined both ProDryers Commercial Restroom Supply and ProDrinkingFountains brand presence and marketing strategy. She drives brand growth through social media, creative design, video content, and customer engagement. She enjoys attending concerts with friends, discovering new coffee shops and is excited to help grow Category Five Insights into a trusted resource for the commercial facilities industry.
Spotlight Reviews
What Our Customers Are Saying
"Everything and everyone I spoke to was excellent."
Joseph G.
Review provided after order fulfillment
"Good research to help me decide. Great pricing with discount to boot! Got it in a few days. ProDryers ROCK!"
Chetman
Review provided after order fulfillment
"Excellent response when purchasing the spare part I needed. They're a highly recommended site, and I would definitely contact them again if I needed them in the future."
Raul A.
Review provided after order fulfillment
Coming Next Month
August 2026 — Back to School Issue
We're covering hydration station upgrades for K–12 schools and universities, ADA compliance tips for educational facilities, and a spotlight on bottle filling stations built for high-traffic environments.
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