Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 22nd May 2025 Issue no. 1163
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Survey reveals widening gender gap in handwashing habits
In recognition of World Hand Hygiene Day on 5th May, Bradley Company is sharing new findings from its annual Healthy Handwashing Survey which specifically reveals notable differences between men and women when it comes to handwashing behaviors and public washroom preferences.
The commercial washroom specialist’s 2025 survey of more than 1,000 American adults found that, while both genders universally believe handwashing is essential to overall health, women are more diligent when it comes to actual handwashing practices, particularly when they are in public spaces.
According to the findings, 85% of women report always washing their hands after using a public washroom, compared to just 77% of men. Additionally, women are more likely to wash their hands after being in contact with individuals who are sick. Specifically, 43% of women cleanse their hands after exposure compared to only 34% of men.
Overall, women wash their hands an average of eight times per day, while men do so seven times per day. Women aren't perfect because 38% admit to sometimes simply rinsing with water and skipping the soap. However, that's significantly lower than the 53% of men who say they do the same.
"Handwashing with soap is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from illness," says Jon Dommisse, Bradley's vice president of business development and strategy. "While 93% of all Americans believe handwashing is important, our 16 years of research shows that women consistently outperform men when it comes to this essential habit, especially in public settings."
Beyond handwashing habits, the survey also revealed gender differences in public washroom experiences. Women show a greater desire for enhanced privacy, cleaner facilities and amenities like shelves or hooks for personal belongings. In fact, nearly three quarters of adults believe that public washroom cubicles do not provide enough privacy, with women showing a stronger preference for eliminating gaps around doors and walls - 60% of women compared with 44% of men.
Women are more likely than men to notice unclean washroom conditions, such as unflushed toilets, unpleasant odours and an overall unkempt appearance. Additionally, 56% of women - compared to 50% of men - say that clean, well-maintained washrooms at businesses make them more likely to return.
Germ avoidance behaviours also vary between genders. Women are considerably more likely to take extra precautions to minimise contact with germs - such as using paper towels to avoid touching handles and fixtures, operating the flusher with their foot and hovering above toilet seats.
As part of World Hand Hygiene Day, Bradley encourages everyone to reassess their handwashing follow through with this three-step process:
* Wash with soap and water vigorously for 20 seconds
* Be sure to scrub the backs of hands, between fingers and under fingernails
* Dry hands completely using a clean towel or air dryer
"World Hand Hygiene Day is a timely reminder of the impact small actions can have on public health," Jon Dommisse adds. "Simple habits like handwashing with soap and improving the cleanliness of restroom environments can make a positive difference."
For more than 100 years, Bradley has been a leader in advanced commercial washrooms and comprehensive emergency safety solutions that make public environments hygienic and safe. It innovated the industry's WashBar multi-function touchless handwashing and drying fixture and includes washroom accessories, partitions, HDPE lockers, emergency safety fixtures and electric tankless heaters in its product range. A subsidiary of Watts Water Technologies, it serves commercial, institutional and industrial building markets worldwide.
The Healthy Handwashing Survey has been conducted annually by Bradley for 16 years to monitor American hand hygiene practices and attitudes.
8th May 2025