5 Ways Americans’ Handwashing Changed Since COVID

While it’s been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives, one behavior has left a lasting impression: handwashing. That’s based on survey findings of more than 1,000 American adults conducted by Bradley Company, a manufacturer of commercial washroom fixtures.

In 2024, the impacts of the pandemic remain – especially in terms of hand hygiene and public restrooms. Today, 80% of Americans say they are now more conscious of coming into contact with germs in restrooms because of COVID, according to the Healthy Handwashing Survey. Stores, healthcare facilities and restaurants cause the most concern about encountering germs. The top five ways handwashing has changed are:

1. Practicing better hand hygiene

Starting back in 2009, at the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu virus, Bradley conducted its first Healthy Handwashing Survey. At the time, only 45% of Americans opted to increase their hand hygiene in response to seasonal virus increases.

The early days of the pandemic brought uncertainty about how to avoid contracting coronavirus, causing a significant increase in handwashing behavior. Specifically, in the spring of 2020, 90% of Americans washed their hands more diligently and were sudsing up, on average, 10.5 times a day, compared to six times per day before COVID.

In 2024, handwashing activity has leveled out at 74% of American adults who wash their hands more frequently (or more thoroughly) in response to seasonal virus outbreaks – a considerable rise from 45% in 2009.

1. Relying on handwashing to stay healthy

According to the survey, 95% of adults believe handwashing is essential to maintaining their overall health – a viewpoint that’s nearly universal across gender, age and geography. In addition to the physical benefits, there are emotional pluses. 72% say they feel healthier or safer immediately after washing their hands.

1. Focusing on handwashing when traveling

During travel, 77% of Americans make a point to stop in public restrooms in airports or during road trips specifically to wash their hands. In fact, 67% make a point to wash more diligently before a trip to avoid sickness. When sick, 54% increase their handwashing activity.

In terms of the public places that cause the most concern about coming into contact with germs, stores (55%), hospitals/healthcare establishments (52%) and restaurants (40%) top the list.

1. Ramping up handwashing when out in public

Americans wash their hands 89% of the time after using a public restroom. Moreover, Americans are critical of others who don’t uphold public standards for washing their hands. Observing someone who doesn’t wash up leaves a negative impression for approximately 70% of respondents. Unfortunately, it’s a frequent occurrence since approximately 70% of total respondents see others leave public restrooms without washing their hands, and men see this more frequently (79% men versus 59% women). More than 50% of Americans have a negative impression when they encounter someone with dirty or sticky hands.

1. Favoring touchless fixtures in public restrooms

Americans’ concern about germs in public restrooms is accompanied by a desire to avoid contact with fixtures. In fact, 86% think it’s important that restrooms have touchless fixtures, a preference that has remained high ever since the pandemic.