Keep clean and safe from germs. Closeup shot of a woman washing her hands with soap.


As Americans hit the road, board flights, and gather with family and friends, Bradley Company’s 17th annual Healthy Handwashing Survey offers a timely reminder that washing your hands remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent the spread of illness.

Summer travel and outdoor activities often mean greater exposure to shared surfaces, public restrooms, and food preparation areas. Proper handwashing with soap and water remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to help reduce the spread of germs. However, only 76 percent wash their hands after using a public restroom, while 77 percent have witnessed someone leave a public restroom without washing their hands.

"No one plans a vacation around getting sick," says Jon Dommisse, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at Bradley Company, a global manufacturer of commercial washroom equipment. "Whether you're taking a road trip, heading to a festival, or firing up the backyard grill, taking just 20 seconds to wash your hands can help keep summer plans on track."

Below are five summer handwashing reminders that will support public health and infection prevention across any commercial facility:

1) Wash before eating meals
2) Wash before preparing food
3) Wash after spending time in high-traffic public places
4) Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
5) Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available