The 2026 Clean Hands Index reports that the majority of public restrooms fail to provide hygienic handwashing facilities.
Clean Hands Certified conducted the index by conducting five surveys, with over 2,500 participants responding, completing over 350 public handwashing evaluations, and inspecting 235 individual locations.
The five surveys all focused on a specific category: public; plumbing manufacturers and distribution; hand hygiene manufacturers and distribution; cleaning and facilities professionals; and architects and designers.
General findings from the index showed that of the evaluated facilities, only 7.1 per cent delivered all five components of hygienic handwashing criteria: touch-free soap, touch-free faucet, warm water, hygienic drying, and a hands-free exit.
The index also showed that 75 per cent of respondents stated that better handwashing facilities increase their likelihood of returning to a business, and 68 per cent of participants want a touch-free experience from start to finish.
The index added that 75 per cent of people avoid touching restroom exit doors after washing and 60 per cent wash longer when warm water is available.
When it came to each individual survey, 74 per cent of respondents in the public survey stated they believe touch-free faucets are important, with 80.2 per cent stating a clean, well-functioning handwashing area increases trust.
This survey showed that 74.4 per cent of people use a paper towel, sleeve, or other method to open the restroom door, and only 42.3 per cent completed their most recent public restroom handwash without a barrier.
Lastly, 76.3 per cent stated that facilities with a Clean Hands Certified would positively affect their perception.
In this survey, 60.4 per cent identified consistent water temperature as a plumbing-controlled performance factor. The survey adds that 58.5 per cent identify adequate water pressure and flow as a key influence in successful handwashing.
When it comes to touch-free products, 72.7 per cent of manufacturers identify inconsistent sensor activation as a field failure point and 57.1 per cent report customers often prioritize cost over performance.
Through this survey, 91.7 per cent of respondents identified soap availability as a major factor in proper handwashing. The number one complaint from 87.5 per cent of respondents was facilities with no towels.
Participants also stated how public expectations impact the market, with 78.9 per cent saying public demand and awareness would accelerate Clean Hands Certified adoption. Additionally, 89.5 per cent rate recognition as a hygiene system leader as very or extremely valuable.
Findings in this survey showed 71 per cent cite budget as the leading barrier to touch-free upgrades, and 69 per cent stated better handwashing design reduces cleaning time and complaints.
The survey adds that 79 per cent of respondents experience messy sinks or counters at least sometimes, 66.1 per cent experience empty towel dispensers at least sometimes, and 56.5 per cent experience empty soap dispensers at least sometimes.
Additionally, 59.6 per cent of respondents indicated a positive response to Clean Hands Certified.
Through this survey, 75 per cent of respondents agree touch-free fixtures improve hygiene, and 55 per cent say fixtures are sometimes value engineered late in projects.
The survey adds that 65 per cent agree the architects/design team have the greatest influence on fixture selection and that 47 per cent say hands-free exits are the hardest part of the full sequence to implement.