Practicing proper hand hygiene plays a critical role in protecting against the spread of harmful germs, leading to a safer and healthier world. Unfortunately, millions of people go about their daily lives while silently facing visible and invisible barriers to handwashing in public restrooms.
More people face barriers to handwashing than facility managers may realize—around one in five Americans experience difficulties using soap or hand towel dispensers due to an injury, health condition, or physical capability, according to a 2024 survey conducted by professional hygiene brand Tork, a part of hygiene product manufacturer Essity.
Poorly maintained public restrooms can be a reason for people to leave their job, write a bad review of a business, or not return to a venue. Employees that may be uncomfortable with their facility’s restrooms could skip handwashing altogether and become ill or spread disease through the office. With 2022 market research from Essity revealing that 60% of people have a lesser opinion of businesses or venues whose hand hygiene facilities are challenging to use, having a poorly maintained restroom is a risk that facilities cannot afford to take.
But what do these challenges look like, and how do they impact people’s experiences in public restrooms? Let’s take a tour around the restroom to identify barriers and walk through some tips for improving handwashing access for all.
Gentle soaps and sanitizers are crucial
In the United States alone, over 31 million people suffer from eczema and may find that some hand soaps irritate their skin, according to statistics from the National Eczema Association. Other conditions can also cause people to have sensitivities to ingredients or fragrances. Guests and employees living with these conditions are concerned about pain or discomfort every time they wash their hands in a public restroom.
Stocking public restrooms with soaps and sanitizers that are gentle and effective is a must. Providing soaps that are kind to skin, are dermatologically tested, and have received certifications from organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), ensures people with a variety of skin sensitivities are able to clean their hands without worry.
Easy dispenser use means clean hands for everyone
People’s physical abilities can change for a variety of reasons—including injuries and age-related conditions like arthritis—which can make using buttons, handles, or faucets in public restrooms more difficult. For anyone with reduced hand function, dispensers that do not allow for one-hand or touchless usage are often a challenge. This could mean restroom users aren’t able to properly clean their hands, and that cleaning staff have a more challenging time restocking the dispensers.
Select dispensers that are easy to use for people with a wide range of mobility needs to ensure customers and employees can access the soap and sanitizer products they need. Easy refilling is also important so cleaning staff of all backgrounds can complete this task. Consider installing dispensers that allow guests to easily pull a lever with just one hand and/or have touchless sensors, helping everyone practice good hand hygiene.
Hand towels are key to a calm, hygienic restroom
Anyone who has used a public restroom with jet air dryers knows how loud and disruptive they can be. For those who are neurodivergent or have sensitivity to noise, these air dryers can make a public restroom a challenging environment.
Hand towels can service more guests at a time than air dryers, and can be used for many purposes, including wiping down surfaces and helping restroom users avoid touching faucets or door handles. Hand towels also provide a much quieter, calmer, and less stimulating restroom experience for everyone, especially those with sensitivity to loud noises.
