Despite an increasing number of Americans making a point to wash their hands more during cold and flu season, a growing number of people—almost 8 out of 10—have witnessed others leave public washrooms without washing their hands, according to Bradley Company’s Healthy Handwashing Survey.
The survey conducted in January 2025 shows that public concern regarding contracting the flu has gradually increased since 2016. Currently, 65 percent are very or somewhat concerned about the flu compared to only 53 percent nine years ago. To fend off the flu virus, 79 percent are washing their hands more frequently or thoroughly, reflecting an increase from 74 percent last year.
Further, 93 percent believe handwashing is important for their health so they wash their hands, on average, 7.5 times per day. Americans tend to be more diligent about washing their hands when out in public (37 percent) than when at home (20 percent), although most (43 percent) say they are equally diligent no matter the location.
“Handwashing, using soap and warm water, is an easy and effective way to reduce the spread of disease-causing organisms that cause sickness, like the flu and norovirus,” says medical microbiologist Michael P. McCann, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Saint Joseph’s University. “Given the ease with which some of these organisms can be spread on solid surfaces, in food, and by other means, handwashing is something that everyone should do after activities like using the restroom.”
The survey found that coughing or sneezing or being with somebody who is sick are the actions most likely to lead to handwashing. When sick, Americans are most likely to drink more fluids (89 percent) and wash their hands more frequently (87 percent).
Handwashing missteps
While flu concerns and handwashing practices are elevated, reports of improper handwashing practices are also rising. An increasing number of Americans say they frequently see others leave public restrooms without washing their hands. Three-fourths (77 percent) now make this observation at least occasionally, compared with 68 percent last year.
Still, 81 percent of Americans say they always wash their hands after using a public restroom and another 11 percent say they usually do. As we age, we become more likely to wash our hands after using a public restroom – only 70 percent of 18-24-year-olds say they always do so, compared to 92 percent of those aged 55 or more. Men are somewhat more likely to skip washing their hands than women.
While lathering up with soap and water is the best way to wash hands, 45 percent of Americans admit to just rinsing their hands with water. More men bypass the bubbles compared with women (53 vs. 38 percent).
When it comes to children, many parents believe their kids are taking handwashing shortcuts. 38 percent do not think their children wash their hands enough, and only one-in-four parents believe their children always wash their hands when they tell them to do so.
Public restroom woes
“For those who skip handwashing in a public restroom, the most common reasons are a lack of soap or paper towels, sinks that are dirty or out of service, overcrowding, and bad smells,” says Jon Dommisse, vice president of business development and strategy for Bradley Company. “It’s no wonder that the most desired improvement in public bathrooms is keeping them more consistently clean and stocked with supplies.”
For facilities, a poorly maintained restroom not only interferes with handwashing follow through, it can also create negative perceptions. 84 percent of the population say that an unclean or unpleasant restroom at a business or other establishment has a negative impact on their overall impression of that business or establishment.
The annual Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley queried 1,032 American adults Jan. 3-14, 2025, about their handwashing habits, concerns about seasonal viruses and their use of public restrooms. Participants were from around the country and were fairly evenly split between women (54 percent) and men (45 percent). 1 percent of survey respondents selected other.
For more information, visit www.bradleycorp.com/handwashing.
