How COVID Changed Washrooms

According to a recent survey, views on public restrooms have shifted following the Covid-19 pandemic. About 80% of participants reported being more aware of germs due to the pandemic, with nearly 70% now using paper towels as a barrier when touching flush handles, taps, and doors. Additionally, 46% said they use their foot to flush the toilet.

"In the same way as the iPod forever changed music and 9/11 changed air travel, Covid will forever change public bathroom design," said Jon Dommisse of Bradley Corporation. "People want clean, well-stocked restrooms that they don't have to touch."

The study found that 86% of people consider touchless fixtures essential in public restrooms, and 70% said they are more likely to revisit a business that offers touch-free technology.

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It also revealed that 70% of Americans have had a negative experience in a public restroom due to poor facility conditions. However, 43% feel that the overall state of public restrooms has improved over the past 15 years.

Common complaints highlighted in the survey include used paper towels left on the floor, water splashed around sinks and floors, clogged or unflushed toilets, dirty appearances, and bad odors.

Nearly 60% of respondents believe an unclean restroom reflects poor management, and half said they would reconsider returning to a place with a dirty restroom.