Unclean Restrooms Show Poor Management, Survey Shows

Most Americans (70%) have reported having a particularly unpleasant experience in a public restroom due to the poor condition of the facility, according to a recent Bradley Co. survey. The top restroom aggravations include clogged or unflushed toilets; an old, dirty or unkempt appearance; and unpleasant smells.

Unfortunately, businesses that neglect restroom cleaning and maintenance jeopardize customers’ repeat business and sales. Almost 60% of respondents believe an unclean restroom shows poor management, 56% are left with a tarnished opinion of the business, and 50% vow not to return or will think twice about doing so. 

On the other hand, 62% of Americans make a point to stop at businesses with clean and well-maintained bathrooms when they need to use the facilities—with nearly 60% willingly to spend more money there.

“While 43% of Americans believe the overall condition of public restrooms has improved over the past 15 years, that leaves 57% who remain unimpressed,” said Jon Dommisse, Bradley Co. vice president of business development and strategy. “Our research shows that business owners with subpar restrooms are leaving untapped sales opportunities on the table.”

Top restroom pet peeves include used paper towels left on the floor or sink; water splashed around the floor or sink; and careless or reckless behavior that results in damage.

The survey also queried participants’ attitudes when they observe someone in a public restroom not washing their hands before exiting. Almost 70% of Americans recall seeing somebody use a restroom without washing their hands, which creates a negative impression about that person, as CMM previously reported.

Additionally, people remain in an elevated state of germ consciousness. In fact, most Americans (80%) said they are now more conscious about germs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like the iPod forever changed music and 9/11 changed air travel, COVID will forever change public bathroom design,” Dommisse said. “People want clean, well-stocked restrooms that they don’t have to touch.”

People go to great lengths to avoid encountering germs in public restrooms. Almost 70% of Americans use a paper towel as a barrier between themselves and flushers, faucets, and doors. Nearly half (46%) use their foot to flush a public toilet.

With so many people cautiously avoiding contact with restroom surfaces, it follows that 86% believe it is important to have touchless fixtures in a public restroom. The majority (70%) are more likely to return to a business that offers touch-free technology such as faucets, flushers, soap, and towel dispensers in its restrooms.