A recent survey found that despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have become more lax in properly washing their hands. In its most recent Healthy Handwashing Survey™, Bradley Corporation found that 57% of Americans were washing their hands six or more times per day, compared with 78% in April 2020. In addition, 53% of respondents said they wash their hands after returning from a trip outside their home, whereas 67% did so at the beginning of the pandemic.

The amount of time Americans spend washing their hands is also on the decline. 67% of survey respondents said they spend the CDC recommended 20 seconds or longer scrubbing their hands, a 10% decline compared to April 2020. In addition, 48% of respondents stated that they have simply rinsed their hands with water instead of washing with soap.

The survey notes that mask wearing is the most common COVID-19 protocol, followed by social distancing and handwashing. CDC considers handwashing one of the keys to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and outlines when and how to wash your hands to help prevent infection.

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