Third Annual Survey Shows 9 in 10 Wash Hands in Restrooms While 91% Say an Unclean Restroom Taints Their Perception of a Business

MILWAUKEE -– Americans are becoming more diligent about washing their hands after using a public restroom, according to a national survey conducted by Bradley Corporation of Menomonee Falls, a leading manufacturer of bathroom and locker room furnishings, including sinks, faucets, hand dryers, showers and lockers.  

In Bradley’s third annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey, Americans said they wash up 90 percent of the time after using a public restroom – that’s up from 87 percent when the survey was first conducted in 2009.

But while more Americans are taking the time to wash, the vast majority (91%) of respondents described the impact of an unclean public restroom as having a negative effect on their perception of the establishment or business.  A restroom’s overall unappealing appearance is the most commonly mentioned complaint followed by empty or jammed toilet paper dispensers and partition doors that don’t latch closed. 

This year, the proportion of Americans who claim they will never return to a business or establishment in which they had an unpleasant experience increased to 37% (up from 24% in 2010) along with 34% (up from 28% in 2010) who will “think twice” before returning.  

As revealed last year, gas stations top the list when respondents were asked what type of establishment in which they had the most unpleasant experience.  

“Considering that nearly all respondents reported strong levels of aggravation when using unclean or non-functioning restrooms, it’s clear that consumers have high expectations for restrooms,” says Jon Dommisse, director of marketing and product development at Bradley Corporation.  “The takeaway is that people do notice restroom appearances and react negatively when the experience is unpleasant.”

Snapshot of Hand Washing Habits

The online survey of 1,053 respondents was conducted August 1-3, 2011, and revealed:

• 26 percent use a towel, sleeve or other material to open the restroom door after washing their hands

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Page 2/More Americans Cleaning Up in Public Restrooms

• 11 percent admit they are a germaphobe – someone who is obsessed with cleanliness and has a fear of germs or unsanitary surfaces

• When respondents were asked what three surfaces they dislike touching the most in a public restroom, stall door handles, restroom entrance doors and faucet handles came in first, second and third, respectively

• When taking a car trip, 26 percent prefer to stop at a fast food restaurant for a restroom break (McDonald’s was mentioned most frequently), while another 25 percent prefer a state rest area

Hand Washing & Health

When asked what impact seasonal flu virus outbreaks have had on their hand washing habits when using public restrooms, 59 percent of Americans say they now wash their hands more frequently or more thoroughly or longer – a 9 percent increase compared to last year’s response of 50 percent.

“It’s a significant move in the right direction,” says medical microbiologist Michael McCann, Ph.D., a professor of biology and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia.  “It’s good to see more and more Americans seem to understand the importance of hand washing in illness prevention because hand washing is one of the easiest things to do to keep well.”  

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is unequivocal about the benefits of hand washing, calling it critical in preventing infection and illness:

“Hand washing is a simple thing to do and it’s the best way to prevent infection and illness,” the agency says. And by “washing your hands,” the CDC notes that nothing beats good old soap and water.  

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, adults average two to four colds a year and children have about six to 10.  In fact, the common cold is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.  

In addition, each year 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu each year and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for seasonal flu-related complications, says the CDC.  Studies show that most healthy adults may be able to infect others one day before becoming ill and for five to seven days after they first develop symptoms. 

“Since hand washing is the first defense in fighting off cold and flu germs, it’s important to educate the public,” says Dommisse.  “We hope our Healthy Hand Washing Survey calls attention to this important practice and the benefits of hand washing.  For business owners, the results underscore that consumers take mental notes of public restrooms and keeping these areas well-maintained and in good working order is an essential business strategy.”

Contact FacilitiesNet Editorial Staff »   posted on: 9/21/2011