Handwashing takes about 20 seconds, but it only happens when the sink, soap and paper towels are ready to go. Established by the Global Handwashing Partnership, Global Handwashing Day on Oct. 15 raises awareness of the importance of handwashing with soap, which is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections.

The observance’s multi-year theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” encourages people to champion clean hands in homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Facility staff put that theme into practice every day by keeping handwashing stations supplied, functioning and ready to use.

“Handwashing is a small but important part of maintaining a healthy environment,” said Tahnie Gilliland, Sofidel marketing specialist. “Facilities can help make proper hand hygiene easier by ensuring handwashing stations are accessible, well maintained and stocked with the supplies people need to wash and dry their hands effectively, especially with cold and flu season approaching.” 

Empty soap or paper towel dispensers and dirty or nonworking sinks are among the leading reasons people skip washing their hands in public restrooms, according to Bradley’s 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey™. Nearly 80% of Americans also said touchless fixtures are important in public restrooms, underscoring expectations for convenient, easy-to-use handwashing areas.

“Encouraging handwashing starts with making sure people have what they need when they reach the sink,” said Jon Dommisse, vice president of business development and strategy at Bradley Company. “Facility maintenance professionals play an essential role by keeping soap available, fixtures working and handwashing areas clean throughout the day.”

Sofidel and Bradley recommended five ways facility managers and maintenance professionals can champion handwashing through everyday restroom upkeep:

• Monitor restroom traffic. High-traffic areas may require more frequent checks and restocking. Use usage patterns to adjust cleaning and restocking schedules so supplies stay available throughout the day, including during peak periods.
• Match supply checks to restroom traffic. Review soap and paper towel levels before and after busy periods. Adjust replenishment schedules if supplies repeatedly run out between scheduled checks.
• Keep hand hygiene supplies stocked. Keeping paper towels and soap available helps ensure handwashing can be completed properly. Wet hands can transfer up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands, making hand drying an important final step. Larger-capacity rolls can help extend the time between refills and reduce the risk of empty dispensers.
• Test fixtures during routine rounds. Check faucet activation, soap delivery and hand dryer operation. Address inconsistent performance promptly, and follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning sensors, replacing batteries and servicing components.
• Keep sinks functional. Inspect sinks and faucets regularly for buildup and proper operation. Clogs are a common reason handwashing stations get taken out of service, often because paper towels end up in the sink.
• Keep sinks and surrounding areas clean. Include basins, counters and nearby floors in regular inspections. Resolve slow drains, leaks and standing water that create additional cleanup work and affect the user experience.
• Make maintenance smarter and more efficient. When evaluating replacements or upgrades, look for visible supply indicators, easy-to-access service components and refill systems that simplify replenishment. Where available, connected monitoring can help staff identify service needs and prioritize attention. These features can help reduce routine maintenance time and keep handwashing areas ready to use.
• Install touchless dispensers. Touchless paper towel dispensers reduce high-touch surfaces, helping limit germ spread. They also help control paper waste by dispensing a measured amount, which discourages overconsumption.
• Reinforce the habit. Help turn handwashing awareness into consistent practice by placing clear reminders near sinks. Provide a simple way for occupants to report empty dispensers or malfunctioning fixtures so they have the supplies and equipment needed to follow through.
• Refresh handwashing signage. Replace worn, faded or outdated signs, and make sure each sink has a clear reminder demonstrating proper technique. Ensure the messaging highlights key handwashing moments, such as after using the restroom, before and after preparing food and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Fresh, visible cues help improve compliance across your facility.

Most Americans surveyed (68%) said they are more likely to return to and spend more at businesses with clean, well-maintained restrooms. Conversely, 73% said an unclean or unpleasant restroom makes them think twice about returning to a business.

Workers at six hotels in downtown Chicago are currently on the picket line and workers at 40 more hotels have authorized a strike. The strike started on Oct. 9, before the Chicago Marathon over the weekend, as those on the picket line wanted to put additional pressure on the hotels.

Hotel workers, including housekeepers, cooks, servers, front desk assistants and bellmen, are striking for what they believe is a fair contract, including higher wages, health care benefits and pensions. The union said workers deserve better pay, and that 32% of workers surveyed don’t make enough to cover their rent or pay their mortgage. Contracts expired on Aug. 31.

Workers said they couldn’t reach a new agreement with the Hilton, Hyatt and Millenium Hotels and Resorts, the parent companies of the hotels. Workers at the following hotels are currently on strike: Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago, Palmer House a Hilton Hotel, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, The Westin Chicago River North, and The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago.

Unite Here Local 1, the union representing thousands of hotel workers, said this could be the largest hotel strike in Chicago’s history if workers at more hotels go on strike. The group is trying to get a deal finalized for 7,000 workers at 46 hotels. The last major hotel strike was back in 2018 and lasted for about a month, according to the union.