Only 1 in 5 public restrooms meet hygiene, cleanliness expectations, new Tork survey finds 

52% of people take action after a poor restroom experience, impacting business revenue and reputation 

Tork, an Essity brand and the global leader in professional hygiene, announced findings of a global survey of restroom users and cleaning staff that explores attitudes toward hygiene in public restrooms, the hygiene barriers that users encounter, the challenges cleaners face and the consequences of a poor restroom experience.

Public restrooms are failing hygiene expectations globally – and it’s costing businesses 

The research, which surveyed 11,500 people across 11 countries, shows there are high expectations for hygiene and cleanliness in the public restroom. 74% expect moderate or high levels of hygiene. Yet, only 20% of restrooms deliver on those expectations 1. 40% of the general population is “very concerned” with hygiene and cleanliness of public spaces and that number jumps to 60% for people with conditions like germaphobia.

A poor restroom experience can trigger powerful emotions and measurable business consequences. When expectations for cleanliness are not met, users feel disgusted (27%), uncomfortable (26%) and frustrated (22%). And 52% of people take action after a poor restroom experience.

New Tork survey finds