Cleaner Public Restrooms Needed: Survey

Public restrooms at institutional and commercial facilities could be cleaner in the minds of many Americans, a recent survey revealed. 

Bradley Corp., a supplier of commercial restroom equipment, surveyed about 1,000 American adults in early January about their handwashing habits. 

Among the findings: 43 percent of Americans feel the conditions in public restrooms have improved over the last 15 years, and another 35 percent do not see any changes one way or another. 

Of those people surveyed, 68 percent said they have had an unpleasant experience in public restrooms, citing clogged or unflushed toilets, dirty and/or outdated conditions and unpleasant smells. The poll showed that users desire cleaner restrooms that are well-stocked with paper even if hand dryers are installed, and touchless fixtures. 

Related Content: How to Improve the Restroom Experience 

A pleasant or unpleasant public restroom experience can linger in the minds of occupants and affect the way users portray a facility and can be a significant source of complaints if a restroom experience is a poor one. 

Other takeaways from the Healthy Handwashing Survey include: 

• 89 percent of respondents wash their hands after using a public facility; 
• 74 percent of respondents wash their hands more frequently or thoroughly during a season virus outbreak; 
• 54 percent increase their handwashing activity when they’re sick; 
• 29 percent of men said they don’t feel the need to wash their hands after using a public restroom. 

Bradley surveyed 1,0003 adults about their handwashing habits, seasonal virus concerns and their use of public restrooms. 

Dave Lubach is executive editor for the facilities market. 

 

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