Why are Buc-ee's Bathrooms So Clean? Secrets Revealed

(KMDL-FM) Louisiana is still patiently waiting for our very first Buc-ee's travel center to open in the state. As of the most recent communications from the company, it appears as though the I-20 location near Ruston will open early next year, and the I-10 location near Lafayette will open later that same year.

While I can understand the excitement and expectation of "finding a Buc-ee's" on the open road, I don't have a similar feeling for a Buc-ee's that is in my own backyard. Here at home, I don't need snacks, fuel, brisket, or a clean bathroom. However, when I am traveling, those things become very important.

Buc-ee's Bathrooms Are the "Gold Standard" For On-the-Road Comfort

And when I am traveling with female members of the family, the Buc-ee's bathroom is the gold standard. You could say they are number one in number two at Buc-ee's, and they aren't shy about proudly discussing their bathrooms in public.

Staff Photo

In fact, the "clean restrooms" angle is what I truly believe put Buc-ee's on the map with most road warriors. Once they took care of the one essential need that all travelers have, then they could branch out into food, snacks, fuel, and souvenirs.

Now it's true, other travel centers have all of those things and nice restrooms too. So, what does Buc-ee's do differently? What is the secret to the better bathroom experience at Buc-ee's? The answer should not surprise you at all.

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Here's The Secret - How to Get Your Bathroom As Clean As a Buc-ee's Bathroom

Buc-ee's always offers a better bathroom experience for you because they pay for it. No, they don't have a rotation of employees who clean the bathroom now and then; they have dedicated employees whose only job is bathroom cleanliness.

Sara D. Davis Getty Images

The current advertised wage for a bathroom crew member is between $18 and $23.85 per hour. The job also includes other perks such as insurance and a 401 (k) for retirement.

In exchange for that inflated rate of pay, a Buc-ee's bathroom attendant is expected to maintain the facility around the clock. The bathrooms are steam cleaned, mopped, and soap dispensers are inspected several times a day. And yes, there is an extensive training program that employees must master before being allowed to "go to the bathroom with the Beaver".

Who would have thought that if you pay people well, as in a more-than-living wage, they will perform the job they are paid to do at an exceptional level? It's Buc-eenomics, it's real, and eventually it will be in Louisiana. When it arrives, will you simply stop using your own toilet in favor of the better bowl by the Beaver? Probably not, huh?

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