Americans Want Restroom Stalls With More Coverage

Most Americans (70%) feel restroom stalls should provide more coverage, according to a recent Bradely Co. survey. Specifically, 52% would like the gaps around stall doors eliminated, and 43% would appreciate an “available” or “occupied” indicator on each door.

When asked what improvements they’d most like to see in public restrooms, the top three responses are understandable—cleaner facilities; better stocking of toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap; and touchless fixtures, including toilets, faucets and soap and towel dispensers.

In terms of “aspirational” items respondents would like, thick foaming soap, warm sink water, and high-quality toilet paper top the list.

Since a restroom is a public place, most users follow basic etiquette. Most (76%) always wash their hands after using a public restroom. The top reasons people skip washing their hands include a lack of soap or paper towels, too many people crowding the restroom, or unclean or broken sinks. Nearly a quarter (22%) said they “did not feel the need” to wash their hands.

The top annoyances include unflushed toilets and used paper towels and trash lying around. Adults admit they employ all sorts of measures to avoid touching restroom surfaces, including:

• 65% use a paper towel or their clothing as a barrier to eliminate contact with fixtures.
• 42% operate the toilet flusher with their foot.
• 35% hover above the toilet seat.

In the “What would you do?” category:

• 59% will shake their hands dry if hand dryers or paper towels aren’t available in a public restroom, 12% will blow on them, and 11% will resort to running their hands through their hair. 
• 57% will avoid drinking liquids before leaving home in order to skip using a public restroom.
• 45% will complain to management if they encounter an unclean or unpleasant restroom at a business.
• 20% will skip washing their hands after using a public restroom if they think no one is around.

Nearly 70% said they’ll make a point to stop—and 60% will spend more money—at a business that they know has clean, well-maintained restrooms. In fact, 40% will check out a store or restaurant’s restroom before deciding whether to stay or not.

Furthermore, 86% said they expect a business with high-quality products or services to have well-appointed restroom facilities.