As our country enters the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are not only more sensitive to germs in public restrooms, they now hold higher standards for the cleanliness, condition, and technology used in these shared spaces, according to the annual Healthy Handwashing Survey™ conducted in January. Most Americans have not been deterred from using public bathrooms. The survey identified key Covid impacts on how Americans view public restrooms – as well as the businesses and establishments that provide them.
Restroom Maintenance is Important
A positive side effect of the virus is that half of the population believes public restrooms are now cleaner and in better condition than before Covid. More men (55%) give a thumbs up to the cleanliness of restrooms compared with women (47%). Further, 79% think a posted and updated cleaning schedule in a restroom is important.
Unclean Restrooms Tarnish the Overall Reputation of a Company
Americans increasingly think poorly of a business when they encounter a messy restroom. In 2022, 51% of Americans said an unpleasant public restroom at a business shows poor management, up from 39% in 2021. Respondents also report that encountering neglected restrooms lowers their opinion of the establishment (43%) and shows the business doesn’t care about its customers (38%).
Customers Spend More at a Business with Pleasant Restrooms
Americans are willing to put their money behind restroom cleanliness. Almost 60% say they are likely to spend more cash at a business with clean, well-maintained restrooms. Another 58% say when out running errands they’ll take restroom breaks at a business they know has “good” restrooms.
Touchless Restrooms Rank High
84% of Americans believe it’s important for public restrooms to be equipped with touchless fixtures and 63% say they are more likely to return to a business that offers no-touch capabilities in its restrooms. Which touchless restroom features are considered most important? Respondents cite faucets, soap dispensers, flushers, and restroom entrance doors as their top four.
The majority of Americans continue to be in an elevated state of germ consciousness, triggered by the coronavirus. While 89% of the general population felt more aware of germs in April 2020, that number has fallen to 78%. KC Restoration can help with your restroom cleanliness by deep cleaning and restoring various surfaces including floors, panels, vanities, signage and more. Contact us today for more information!