Bradley Company Highlights Hygiene Tips for Global Handwashing Day

In honor of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, commercial washrooms and emergency safety solutions provider Bradley Company recently released the results of its 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey. The findings indicate simple, practical steps that facilities managers can take to encourage good hygiene on campus.

The survey revealed that empty soap dispensers, empty paper towel dispensers, and dirty or non-functional sinks as the top reasons people skip washing their hands after using public restrooms, according to a Bradley news release. About 80 percent of respondents also stated a preference for touchless fixtures.

“Encouraging handwashing starts with making sure people have what they need when they reach the sink,” said Jon Dommisse, Bradley Company’s vice president of business development and strategy. “Facility maintenance professionals play an essential role by keeping soap available, fixtures working and handwashing areas clean throughout the day.”

The survey revealed that 68% of respondents were more likely to revisit business with clean restrooms, while 73% said an unclean restroom would make them reconsider a return visit. The survey was conducted among 1,020 American adults in January 2026.

In the press release, Bradley also spotlighted five ways that maintenance professionals and facility managers can “champion handwashing through everyday restroom upkeep.” These include matching supply checks to restroom traffic, including reviewing soap and paper towel stocks before and after busy periods; testing fixtures like faucet activation, soap delivery, and hand dryers during routine rounds; keeping sinks and the surrounding areas clean; making maintenance smarter and more efficient by identifying fixtures with visible supply indicators, easy-access service components, and the easy ability to refill during replacements or upgrades; and reinforcing the habit by placing reminders near sink areas.

“Facility managers and maintenance professionals are everyday handwashing heroes,” said Dommisse. “By keeping soap available, fixtures functioning and handwashing areas clean, they help people practice healthy habits and create a better experience for everyone who uses the facility.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • UNH Marks Construction Milestone on Oceanic Exploration Facility

    The University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H., recently celebrated a major construction milestone with a beam-signing ceremony for the new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, according to a news release. The facility’s ultimate goal is to support research, training and technical assistance in ocean mapping.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.