Tips For Improving Handwashing

In this Manufacturer Roundtable, Facility Cleaning Decisions took the compilation of questions we received from readers and asked soap/sanitizer manufacturers to weigh in.

Years ago, there was a lot of talk about gel soaps versus foam soaps. Foam won out in terms of user preference. Is that still the case? Why/why not?
Foam handwashing systems serve as an alternative to traditional liquid and gel soaps. In these systems, an integrated pump in the cartridge mixes a special formula liquid soap with air to increase its volume by 10 times and provide an instant lather for handwashing. That said, foam soap is preferred by users and facility managers alike. Most foam soap dispensers provide an optimal product shot size reducing product usage and considerably reduce water usage when rinsing hands. It is an environmentally and fiscally responsible choice. Deb has found through focus groups and internal research that users prefer foam by a large margin.
— Isabelle Faivre, Vice President of Marketing, North America, Deb Group, Charlotte, North Carolina

Gel or liquid soaps still have a loyal following. From a cost perspective, liquid or gel soaps are more economical for some segments of the marketplace. But foam soap has its advantages, such as less water usage, more hand washes per refill and a more luxurious hand washing experience.
— Ronald Lewis, Associate Brand Manager, Diversified Markets, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona

What recommendations do you have for facility managers looking to improve handwashing compliance among building occupants?
Improving handwashing compliance might seem like a daunting task, but there are a few, simple ways in which a facility manager can improve compliance among building occupants. These include providing a high-quality, user-preferred soap, installing touch-free dispensers, and installing reliable, easy to service dispensers, which help to ensure soap is readily available when a building occupant goes to use it.
It is important to note that hand hygiene doesn’t need to be defined as only handwashing in the restroom. In fact, the notion of good hand hygiene among building occupants is important since it has been reported that more than 80 percent of illnesses can be transmitted by the hands. The perception of a healthy facility can also be enhanced by the placement of alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout a building.
 — Thom Wojtkun, Market Development Director, GOJO Industries, Akron, Ohio

Facility managers can help improve compliance by using highly visible handwashing signs. The signs act as reminders and can be placed near the sinks or on the back of the doors so they are seen as patrons are leaving the washroom as a friendly reminder.
— Ronald Lewis, Associate Brand Manager, Diversified Markets, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona

Employers can encourage good hand-washing compliance by providing easy-to-understand awareness materials such as posters or stickers for use in the restrooms, on walls, mirrors and doors, as well as reminders on company intranets. Deb has a variety of posters and resources available on their website.
It is also imperative that the restroom facilities are kept clean and in good condition, with adequate, high-quality and well-placed hand cleaning supplies. It is important that products are not only effective, but are easy to use as this will encourage regular use. Soap should be dispensed from sealed cartridges to ensure ‘fresh’ product is dispensed every time. Bulk soap dispensers have often proven to be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
— Isabelle Faivre, Vice President of Marketing, North America, Deb Group, Charlotte, North Carolina