Clean, well-maintained restrooms play a key role in shaping how people perceive businesses, according to the 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Company. The survey of 1,020 U.S. adults found that nearly 70 percent of respondents say they will make a point to stop at businesses known for having clean restrooms, while 60 percent say they are willing to spend more money at locations with well-maintained facilities.
The survey also revealed that restroom conditions can influence customer behavior in other ways. Forty percent of respondents said they will check out a restroom before deciding whether to stay at a store or restaurant, and 45 percent said they would complain to management if they encountered an unclean restroom. Meanwhile, 57 percent reported avoiding drinking liquids before leaving home to reduce the need to use public restrooms altogether.
When asked about improvements they would most like to see, respondents cited cleaner facilities, better stocking of essentials such as toilet paper and soap and touchless fixtures including faucets and dispensers. Stall privacy also emerged as a concern, with nearly 70 percent saying restroom stalls should provide more coverage, including eliminating door gaps and adding “occupied” indicators.
The survey also found ongoing hand hygiene challenges. While 76 percent of respondents say they always wash their hands after using a public restroom, 20 percent admitted they would skip handwashing if they believed no one was around. Respondents said common barriers to handwashing include missing soap or paper towels, crowded restrooms and dirty or broken sinks.
According to Bradley, restroom conditions can impact a facility’s reputation.
“The condition of a restroom can significantly influence how consumers feel about a business,” says Jon Dommisse, vice president of business development and strategy for Bradley in the survey. “Locations with clean and pleasant restrooms can expect more return business and a better public perception.”
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor for the facilities market.
