What is a sanitary door opener and how to use it

These days, more people are concerned with germs than ever before. Long gone are the days of using a bare hand to grab the handle of a public door. Just the thought makes some wince in disgust. So, what is the alternative? The answer is sanitary door openers. If you’re unfamiliar, a sanitary door opener, like StepNpull, is a hands-free device that offers a touchless way to open doors. And they’re becoming increasingly more popular. Hear us out.

Sanitary door pulls are convenient to use, cost-efficient, and most importantly, they help prevent the spread of germs and pathogens. Foot-operated door openers aim to minimize the spread of germs that one might catch from coming in contact with fomites on door handles. A fomite is an inanimate object that can carry and spread disease and infectious agents. Fomites are an issue in indoor settings where multiple people touch common surfaces. The most effective way to prevent door handles from becoming fomites is to install a touch-free door opener on all common-use doors, especially in restrooms. 

StepNpull sanitary door opener

Now that you’re familiar with sanitary door openers, chances are you’re realizing that you have recently used a hands-free sanitary door opener, such as a StepNpull. The pandemic has created a high demand for sanitary door pulls throughout the country and they can be found in a variety of public spaces.

StepNpull was crafted in Springfield, Missouri, in 2007 by Mike Sewell, Ron Ely, and Kelly Coddington with a goal of creating a product that would reduce the spread of germs, eliminate the wasteful use of paper towels,  open doors, and increase accessibility in the workplace and common spaces.

The majority of manufacturing for StepNpull is proudly done across the state of Missouri. StepNpull is both ADA compliant and Underwriter Laboratories (UL) certified and can be installed on any latch-less commercial wood or metal door. Its distinctive sleek design comes in various finishes and includes trademarked angled front edges. The product can be easily purchased directly from our online shop or at major retailers like Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menards, and more.

How to use a sanitary door pull

Using a touchless door opener is easy, and will soon become second nature after a couple of uses. A user simply approaches the door as if they were going to use the door handle, and as the name of our product suggests, step down on the device and pull with their foot. This final ‘step’ in sanitation will have users on their way to a healthier and happier future.

How to use a sanitary door pull:

1. As a user approaches the door, they simply position their body no differently than if they were going to use the door handle.

2. The user then places their foot on the top of the StepNpull. 

3. The user presses down on the StepNpull just enough to gain traction. (NOTE: This should only require a minimal amount of foot pressure if the door closer is adjusted to the correct ADA Standards)

4. Once they have traction, they simply pull their foot and leg back as though they were taking a normal step. Step and pull. It’s that simple!

The simple installation of the StepNpull sanitary door openers takes less than five minutes. Using common tools and the included hardware, door decal, and instructions that come with each StepNpull package and common tools, your sanitary door pull will be ready to go in no time.

If your business isn’t using a sanitary door pull, are you truly offering your customers a touchless experience? If the answer is no, order your StepNpull today. Your customers and employees will thank you.