Clean Hands Man today announced the launch of the 2026 Clean Hands Index, a groundbreaking, independent benchmarking report focused on real public handwashing experiences in public and commercial restrooms. The Index brings together insights from multiple industries—including plumbing fixture manufacturers, hand hygiene and dispenser manufacturers, architects and designers, distributors, facility owners and managers, cleaning and janitorial professionals, and public health advocates—while placing public input at the center of the conversation.

Unlike traditional industry reports that rely primarily on product specifications or internal performance claims, the 2026 Clean Hands Index combines national public surveys, on-site facility evaluations, public health research, and human-centered storytelling to assess how well public handwashing environments actually serve people in everyday life.

“Public handwashing sits at the intersection of health, design, operations, and behavior,” said Tim Cromley, Founder of Clean Hands Man. “The Clean Hands Index is designed to break down silos and create a shared, credible understanding of what’s working, what’s not, and how we can collectively raise the standard of hygiene for everyone.”

A Collaborative, Cross-Industry Approach

The 2026 Clean Hands Index is built on active participation from across the hygiene ecosystem, including:

● Plumbing fixture manufacturers (touch-free faucets, valves, sinks)
● Soap, paper towel, hand dryer, and dispenser manufacturers
● Distributors and supply partners who connect manufacturers to facility owners, managers, and service providers
● Architects and designers shaping restroom layouts and user experience
● Facility owners and managers responsible for maintenance, budgets, and upgrades
● Cleaning and janitorial professionals managing daily hygiene performance
● Public health and advocacy organizations providing research and guidance
● The general public, whose firsthand experiences inform the Index’s core findings

This collaborative structure reflects how public handwashing environments actually come together—from product design and distribution to installation, maintenance, and daily use—and allows the Index to highlight innovation, identify gaps, and showcase solutions that improve hygiene outcomes while balancing design, cost, sustainability, and ease of maintenance.

Public Voices at the Center

A defining feature of the 2026 Clean Hands Index is its emphasis on public participation. Through multiple national surveys and real-world sampling, the Index captures how people perceive cleanliness, accessibility, touch-free technology, and overall trust in public handwashing environments.

“Handwashing only works if people feel confident using the space,” Cromley added. “By elevating public voices alongside industry expertise, the Clean Hands Index creates a more honest, actionable picture of hygiene in the real world.”

Release Timing and Distribution

The 2026 Clean Hands Index will be released in Summer 2026, following a multi-phase research and data-collection period.

The Index will be introduced through a coordinated release that includes:

● A comprehensive digital report presenting findings, benchmarks, and insights
● Data highlights and visual summaries designed for media, industry, and public sharing
● Original editorial and video content published through Clean Hands Man channels
● Industry and association briefings with participating organizations
● Media outreach and interviews with national, design, facilities, and public health outlets

Select findings may be previewed in advance through partner organizations and events to support informed discussion and early engagement across industries.

Driving Awareness, Recognition, and Improvement

Findings from the 2026 Clean Hands Index will help establish clearer benchmarks for public handwashing environments, recognize innovation and best practices, and provide actionable insight for future restroom design, retrofits, and operational improvements.
The Index also supports broader public awareness efforts, encouraging facility owners and communities to prioritize health, dignity, and usability in public restrooms.

About Clean Hands Man

Clean Hands Man is an independent advocacy and storytelling platform dedicated to improving public handwashing standards worldwide. Through research, benchmarking, media, and partnerships, Clean Hands Man connects manufacturers, designers, distributors, facility managers, and health advocates to raise expectations—and outcomes—for hygiene everywhere.

Media Contact
Tim Cromley
Founder, Clean Hands Man
📧 [email protected]
📞 970.590.7266
🌐 www.cleanhandsman.com