ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Men have been more conscientious than women in maintaining good hand washing habits during the pandemic, according to a new survey of 1,050 American adults.

Just under 70 per cent of men claim to have kept up their improved hand hygiene habits since the pandemic began compared with 57 per cent of women. And 62 per cent of men say they were "very concerned" about contracting the virus whereas only 45 per cent of women express the same level of anxiety.

The Healthy Handwashing Survey, carried out in January 2021 by Bradley Corporation, also revealed that men are better at drying their hands than women. More than 80 per cent of men said they are now drying their hands more thoroughly and for longer than before compared with 63 per cent of women.

Reports of new strains of the coronavirus have prompted 75 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women to improve their hand washing behaviour. And just under 60 per cent of men and 51 per cent of women say they will keep up their new handwashing routines once the pandemic is over.

"In our previous surveys, women have always led the way with their handwashing actions," says Jon Dommisse, director of strategy and corporate development for Bradley Corporation.

"It is encouraging to see more men incorporating thorough and frequent handwashing into their daily routines because it is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs and illness."

Bradley Corporation has been carrying out an annual Healthy Handwashing Survey for the past 12 years.