Hygiene – Hand Dryers or Paper Towels?

Okay. First things are first – WASH YOUR HANDS!!!! I think that this has been the biggest takeaway from the past year. Covid-19 has brought to the people’s attention that they should wash their hands frequently. If this was a spectacular revelation for you, then GROSS!

Now that we have learned that we should practice good personal hygiene, how should we complete our restroom experience after we have serenaded everyone in the privy with 2 rounds of “Happy Birthday”, 6 stanzas of “Amazing Grace”, or “The Bohemian Rhapsody”? What is the best way to dry our hands? 

This subject can be a point of much contention. It seems like half of the information out there supports paper towels while the other half concludes that hand dryers are better. I have culled through a lot of “studies” done by paper towel and hand dryer manufacturers. Surely, they wouldn’t have any type of bias…

There are many considerations for the practicality of both methods. Price, maintenance, and the environment are all big topics worthy of discussion. However, I think the overriding concern for most of us is: Which one is more hygienic?

Which Is More Hygienic?

Hand dryers typically consume less energy to manufacture and to maintain day to day than paper towels. They also produce far less waste for our landfills. Technology has helped to improve these relatively basic machines over the last couple of decades. Many now have HEPA filtration or UV lights with the intent to reduces pathogens on hands.

But, I am a practical thinker. Results matter. Gadgets and gimmicks don’t always get the job done. Let’s talk physics.

1. Studies show that paper towels can dry hands 90 percent in 10 seconds. It takes hand dryers 43 seconds for 55-68 percent dryness. Moist hands leaving a restroom have a higher risk of transmission than dry hands.
2. While the dryers may reduce bacteria and viruses on the hand, they also rapidly force large amounts of air through a confined space. It may be filtered air through the machine, but that air is also moving throughout a restroom that has harmful microbes on surfaces. This rapid air movement can dislodge surface pathogens, sending them hurtling through the air to the mouths and noses of totally unsuspecting participants. YUCK!

Don’t get me wrong. Our environment is critical. And, we can debate on the process in which paper is made. I believe there are better substances to make paper from than trees. 

I am a huge fan of being a good steward of our planet. But, I am also a big proponent of being around myself, to do my part.

EnviroSol : Your Custom Cleaning Solutions

If you are looking for a cleaning company for your church or business in the greater Shelby or Jefferson County areas of Alabama, we are here to help. At EnviroSol, a clean space is a safe place. We can assist in keeping you safe in the places you spend the most time.

We know how and where harmful microbes live. We know how to kill them. And, we are passionate about taking the fight to them.

If you want to learn more about our services or request a quote, give us a call at 205-229-7650 or contact us at info@myenvirosol.com. One of our representatives will get back to you shortly.