Uncover the surprising truth: single-use paper towels outshine jet air dryers as a more effective method of drying hands and helping to reduce germ transmission. Explore the science, convenience and sustainability factors behind their effectiveness. Discover why paper towels are the champions of washroom hygiene

Navigating the Hand-Drying Debate

A clean washroom isn't just about appearances; it's crucial for the well-being of patrons and employees. In a world where safety standards are broadening to include hand and surface hygiene, the way we dry our hands is gaining newfound importance. 

 

Enter the ongoing debate: paper towels versus jet air dryers

While hand dryers are often advertised as the solution to cross-contamination, reality tells a different story. The crux of the matter? There's a gap between human behaviour and effective solutions as studies show a staggering 95% of adults fail to wash their hands long enough, leaving behind lingering bacteria and germs even after handwashing.¹

This is where single-use paper towels shine. Positioned as a practical and proven solution, they offer a simple approach to addressing this behavioural gap.

Let's delve into the science behind it all and uncover why paper towels emerge as the most effective method for drying hands* — the unsung heroes of washroom hygiene.

How Clean Washrooms Contribute to Good Health

Does promoting hand hygiene in away-from-home environments truly make a difference? The answer is, yes. Numerous studies have investigated the potential impact of hand hygiene interventions in office environments.

The findings from these studies show benefits such as:

• Reduction in germ transmission
• Fewer reported cases of illnesses for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections
• Decreased insurance claims
• Lower rates of absenteeism²

According to the CDC, the ripple effects of handwashing resonate throughout the community, with a decrease in common illnesses such as colds by 21% and diarrhoea by 31%. Also, for those with compromised immune systems, it shows a decrease of 58% in diarrheal illness.³

Creating an environment that prioritises the well-being of both patrons and employees means more than just meeting regulatory standards — it requires a commitment to providing a clean and hygienic facility.

At the core of this endeavour  lies the washroom, where implementing simple yet effective measures can significantly enhance overall hygiene and well-being.

4 Reasons Why Paper Towels Are More Effective than Jet Air Dryers

Efficacy

Using a hand dryer may seem like a quick solution, but it often falls short in thoroughly drying hands. It can take a minute or longer to fully dry your hands using a hand dryer, but many people only spend 30 seconds using it — half the necessary time for thorough drying.

As a result, people often leave washrooms with their hands still moist, unknowingly spreading bacteria onto door handles and other surfaces as they exit.

Paper towels have been proven to effectively remove up to 77% of bacteria that might remain after handwashing.⁴

Research strongly supports using single-use paper towels as the more hygienic hand-drying method*, particularly in environments prioritising hygiene. Paper towels have been proven to effectively remove up to 77% of bacteria that might remain after handwashing.⁴

Drying hands with paper towels not only speed up the drying process but also utilises friction to dislodge any remaining bacteria.⁵

Convenience

In busy washrooms, people may feel pressured to rush through or even skip the handwashing process. Unfortunately, incomplete drying poses a significant risk, as damp hands can spread up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands.⁶ 

When faced with a line for hand dryers, many will bypass the entire process and leave with wet hands or wipe them on their clothing — compromising the effectiveness of handwashing and contributing to the spread of germs. 

Single-use paper towels offer a straightforward solution to these challenges. With no waiting required, individuals can quickly grab a paper towel from the dispenser, dry their hands as they exit and dispose of the towel before leaving the washroom.

This efficient process ensures thorough hand drying, helping to minimise the risk of bacteria transmission and promoting optimal hygiene practices.

Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant concern in washroom hygiene, and paper towels offer a clear advantage in addressing this issue. Unlike hand dryers, which expel high-velocity air, dispersing whatever contaminants are on a patron's hands throughout the washroom, paper towels keep bacteria contained within the towel.⁷

Studies have shown that jet air dryers can disperse up to 1,300 times more germ particles into the surrounding air compared to paper towels. Even after 15 minutes, the air remains significantly more contaminated when hand dryers are used.⁸ 

In contrast, paper towels effectively prevent airborne transmission by confining bacteria, and patrons typically dispose of them before leaving the washroom. This straightforward disposal method helps minimise the spread of germs and contributes to a cleaner washroom environment.

Bacterial Growth

Despite handwashing, wet surfaces remain susceptible to bacterial growth, even on hands deemed hygienic. Some powerful hand dryers, such as jet air dryers, have been shown to expel water droplets containing bacteria and viruses as far as 6.5 feet away. These droplets can linger in the air for up to 15 minutes, posing a risk of cross-contamination.⁹

Paper towels effectively remove moisture, reducing the likelihood of bacterial growth. The physical act of rubbing hands with paper towels also helps to eliminate germs that may not have been removed during washing.⁵ 

This proactive approach removes moisture effectively and helps mitigate the introduction of additional bacteria in the hand-drying process.

Some powerful hand dryers, such as jet air dryers, have been shown to expel water droplets containing bacteria and viruses as far as 6.5 feet away.

Hygiene FAQs

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Advocating for Effective Hand Hygiene 

It's important to recognise that air dryers are not inherently unsanitary; rather, they amplify a prevalent issue in human behaviour—people don’t wash their hands thoroughly, leaving bacteria behind. Moist hands provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and transfer onto surfaces. 

Because of this, single-use paper towels stand out as champions of hand hygiene, offering a reliable solution to ensure hands are thoroughly dried and help curb the spread of germs. This is why we advocate for single-use paper towels over air and jet dryers as the optimal hand-drying method, promoting a healthier environment for all.

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