Innovative Changes on the Horizon for Public Restrooms in the U.S.

Changes Coming to Public Restrooms in the U.S.

In an age where cleanliness and convenience are paramount, recent survey results reveal that American adults have a lot of ideas about how to improve public restrooms in the United States. Conducted by Bradley Company as part of their Healthy Handwashing Survey™, the inquiry, which reflects the opinions of over 1,000 adults, touches on a variety of topics ranging from sanitation to privacy.

New Features to Enhance Experience

One of the more notable suggestions has been the implementation of monitors outside restrooms in high-traffic areas. According to the survey, a remarkable 86% of respondents believe such displays would be beneficial. These monitors would indicate the availability of stalls, helping potential users make informed decisions about whether to enter or continue searching for another restroom. This concept has already seen success in several airports, providing both efficiency and comfort for those in need.

However, not all ideas met with favorable reception. The survey’s respondents largely disapproved of a system where timers would monitor stall usage. Most Americans, particularly older adults and women, expressed discomfort with the thought of being timed while in a restroom.

A Plea for Privacy

Privacy emerged as a significant concern. A sizeable 72% of adults believed that public restroom stalls lack sufficient personal space. Respondents expressed preferences for adjustments such as eliminating gaps around stall doors, ensuring full-length doors, and even adding indicators to show whether a stall is occupied—all aimed at enhancing the users' sense of privacy in these often-public environments. Notably, 30% of those surveyed would appreciate sound suppression techniques, like ambient music.

The Top Amenities in Demand

What else do patrons want from their public restrooms? The survey revealed that Americans have specific amenity requests. Leading the list were:
1. Shelves or hooks to hang personal items.
2. Restroom attendants to maintain cleanliness.
3. Larger stalls for increased comfort and accessibility.

Moreover, nearly half of the respondents showed willingness to pay a small fee to guarantee well-maintained restrooms, though men were generally more open to this than women.

Touchless Technology Acceptance

Modern conveniences like touchless fixtures are also at the forefront. The survey indicated that 80% of those surveyed see the significance of touchless soap dispensers, faucets, and toilet flushers, particularly in maintaining a hygienic environment. Furthermore, a staggering 65% of adults would prefer returning to businesses that utilize such technology, underlining the critical nature of sanitary conditions in public facilities.

Handwashing Habits

As part of the survey, handwashing tendencies were also analyzed. Adults reported an average of 7.6 handwashes per day, though concerns arise about the effectiveness, as 45% admitted to sometimes washing without soap. Notably, 81% claimed they always wash their hands after using a restroom, underscoring a strong commitment to hygiene.

Respondents highlighted numerous factors that prompt increased handwashing, with outbreaks of seasonal flu triggering the most substantial response. The standout concern remains children’s hand hygiene, with around 40% of parents worried that their kids lack adequate washing habits— a gap highlighted more by moms than dads.

Looking Forward

With a century-long legacy of enhancing public restroom experiences, Bradley Company emphasizes its commitment to improving hygiene and safety in shared spaces. As these survey insights become more widely known and advocated for, we could soon see a wave of changes to how we interact with public restrooms in the U.S., marking a new era in sanitation and user experience.