Transcript
When it comes to public restrooms, something as simple as how we dry our hands can spark big debates, and for good reason. The choice between paper towels and hand dryers isn't just about convenience. It's about hygiene, environmental impact, cost, and user comfort. For facility managers, it's one of those small decisions that can have surprisingly significant consequences.
What the research says about hygiene
Proper hand drying is just as important as washing. According to research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, bacteria transfer is far more likely from wet skin than from dry skin. And while air dryers may seem like a hands-off, hygienic option, the reality is more complicated.
Paper towels don鈥檛 just dry, they remove bacteria through friction. A found that paper towels effectively reduced bacteria and caused less contamination of the washroom environment than air dryers. Paper towels are considered the most hygienic drying method in healthcare settings due to their superior ability to minimize cross-contamination risks.
That same study emphasizes that the mechanical action of friction during towel use helps dislodge and remove microorganisms from the skin which is something air dryers simply can鈥檛 replicate.
Air dryers, especially traditional hot air models, can increase skin bacteria and spread it through the air. Jet air dryers, in particular, have been shown to disperse hand contamination up to six feet away and emit bacteria into the airflow which isn鈥檛 ideal in health-conscious environments.
Environmental impact
It鈥檚 easy to assume hand dryers are the more eco-friendly choice. After all, they eliminate paper waste. But the environmental impact is more complex than what ends up in the trash.
A showed that switching from paper towels to high-efficiency dryers could reduce landfill waste by over 13% in their dining halls. Conversely, paper towel manufacturers have made significant strides in offering recycled and compostable options. And dryers still consume electricity and require materials for manufacturing and replacement.
Bottom line: Both have an environmental footprint. For high-traffic buildings, dryers may make sense. But where hygiene trumps all, paper towels still win.
Cost & maintenance considerations
Dryers are typically more cost-effective in the long run. They have a higher upfront price tag but don鈥檛 require ongoing restocking or frequent waste removal. Paper towels, meanwhile, come with recurring costs and are more labor-intensive to maintain.
That said, dryers can also malfunction, be targets for vandalism, or irritate users with their noise. And if they鈥檙e not efficient, users may walk away with damp hands.
User preference and accessibility
Surveys consistently show that most people prefer paper towels鈥攏ot just for drying their hands but for opening doors, cleaning up spills, and minimizing germ exposure. One study cited in the Mayo Clinic review found that over 60% of users prefer paper towels over hand dryers.
Some users find the noise of jet dryers irritating, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Some jet dryers exceed 90 decibels which is comparable to a heavy truck at close range. Also, frequent use can cause hands to become excessively dry or irritated, especially for sensitive skin.
In high-touch environments, offering a choice can improve overall satisfaction and promote better hygiene habits.
Which is better?
It depends.
If your facility wants to focus on sustainability and long-term cost savings, high-efficiency dryers might be your best option.
If hygiene, quick dry times, and occupant satisfaction are top priorities (especially in healthcare, food service, or education) paper towels are still the gold standard.
A hybrid approach often works best: dryers in general areas, paper towels in high-risk zones.
Final takeaway
Hand drying might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in your facility's safety, satisfaction, and sustainability.
Want help deciding what makes the most sense for your space? to find the right hand-drying solution for your goals, whether it's boosting hygiene, cutting costs, or going green.
鈥
Sources
