The purpose of this study was to evaluate hand washing behaviors in public restrooms with and without reminder signs. Gender, race, signage, and time of day were examined to determine if there were differences in hand washing compliance based on these variables. Participants included male and female adults entering restrooms at two public shopping malls in a midwestern city. The total number of observations made was 599. Of those observed, full hand washing compliance (based on CDC guidelines) was accomplished by 190 (31.7%) individuals. Sixty-eight percent either did not wash their hands or washed them in a less effective way. Significant differences were noted in hand washing compliance based on gender and race. Females and non-Caucasians were more likely to wash their hands than were males and Caucasians. No significant differences in hand washing were noted based on signage or time of day. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)