Although hands can dry by evaporation, the use of paper hand towels and electric hand dryers are used in almost every commercial facility, and the odd few homes throughout the UK. As individuals contemplate the purchase of paper hand towels and dispensers, the lingering questions echo: “Are paper hand towels hygienic?” and “Are paper hand towels more sanitary than hand dryers?”. As we dive into the depths of cleanliness, let’s explore why paper hand towels emerge as the unsung heroes, surpassing hand dryers in the pursuit of pristine, bacteria-free hands. Join us on this journey as we unravel the science and unveil the compelling reasons why paper hand towels stand tall in the realm of hygiene.
What are paper hand towels?
So, what are paper hand towels? They are disposable paper products commonly found in commercial settings such as restaurants, medical facilities, and schools. These towels prioritise hygiene, and most importantly, they serve the purpose of drying hands, among other uses. Unlike roller towel dispensers, where the risk of infection or disease transmission exists due to a single-use product before washing, paper hand towels offer a safe and hygienic alternative. They ensure all bacteria with the risk of infection are disposed of safely and in an environmentally friendly manner.
Paper hand towels are environmentally friendly due to their biodegradability, renewable resource use, recyclability, energy efficiency, minimal chemical usage, and relatively lower carbon footprint. Their production often involves responsible forestry practices and contributes to reducing plastic waste compared to certain alternatives. Paper hand towels come in various options to cater to your preferences. Whether it’s Z-Fold, C-Fold, Interfold, or any other folding style you can imagine, these towels provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for hand drying that is beyond criticism.
What are hand dryers?
Similar to paper hand towels, hand dryers are commonly installed in commercial spaces such as restrooms, kitchens, medical facilities, and schools. These electric hand-drying systems are designed to expel either hot or cold air, aiding in the evaporation of moisture from freshly washed hands. Notably, there are various types of hand dryers, encompassing jet hand dryers, hot hand dryers, slim hand dryers, and more.
Hand dryers are lauded for their energy efficiency and waste reduction benefits, but the overall eco-friendliness of paper hand towels may be favoured due to factors like biodegradability, responsible sourcing, and recyclability, suggesting a nuanced environmental comparison. When considering the purchase of an electric hand dryer, various factors come into play depending on your preferences. Are you prioritising energy efficiency? Is minimising noise a key consideration for you? As the term “best” can be subjective, it’s essential to identify the specific qualities you value when searching for hand dryers in 2023.
Are paper hand towels more sanitary than hand dryers?
So, the debate continues: Are paper hand towels or hand dryers more hygienic? In the table below, we present some key statistics comparing the hygiene aspects of paper hand towels and hand dryers, shedding light on why paper hand towels may be considered a more sanitary option.
Paper Hand Towel Hygiene | Electric Hand Dryer Hygiene |
---|---|
The use of a paper towel for hand drying can result in a reduction of bacteria by up to 77%. | Drying with a jet air dryer released 1,300 times more germ particles than paper hand towels. |
The rubbing process of paper hand towels physically removes bacteria along with moisture. | When drying your hands with an electric hand dryer, water droplets that could contain bacteria and germs can be propelled in the air, travelling as far as 6.5 feet and lingering in the air for up to 15 minutes. |
Faced with a choice of drying methods, 90% of people chose paper hand towels over jet air dryers in the washroom. | A study revealed the presence of coliform bacteria on 52% of tested electric air dryers. |
Paper hand towels are the recommended hand drying method of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) “Guidelines of Hand Hygiene in Health Care“. | The use of electric hand dryers has been associated with increased finger bacteria levels by up to 42%. |
Given the strong preference for using paper hand towels, hand hygiene adherence would decrease if paper hand towels were unavailable in washrooms, according to a review article in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. | The interior surfaces of electric hand dryers can harbour up to 48 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. |
What is the most hygienic & eco-friendly way to dry your hands?
The evidence overwhelmingly supports the hygienic superiority of paper hand towels over electric hand dryers. With a remarkable reduction of bacteria by up to 77%, paper towels showcase their efficacy, physically eliminating germs during the drying process. In contrast, jet air dryers release a concern of 1,300 times more germ particles. The widespread preference for paper hand towels, chosen by 90% of individuals, aligns with the World Health Organization’s recommendation. Additionally, studies associating electric hand dryers with increased finger bacteria levels and the potential harbouring of 48 times more bacteria than a toilet seat underline the compelling case for prioritising paper hand towels to pursue optimal hand hygiene.
5 Tips For Washing & Drying Your Hands
Tip 1: Wash your hands thoroughly
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather your hands, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice can be a helpful timer.
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
Tip 2: Use a proper drying technique
- When using paper towels to dry your hands, you should use a sufficient number of towels to dry your hands thoroughly.
- Also, use paper hand towels to pat your hands dry, starting from the fingers and working towards the wrists.
- If using an electric hand dryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal drying time.
- Also, if you are using an electric hand dryer, ensure all parts of your hands are exposed to the air stream for effective drying.
Tip 3: Avoid cross-contamination at all costs
- Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing your hands to prevent recontamination.
- If using a hand dryer, avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces after washing.
Tip 4: Pick up hygiene-focused habits
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
- Encourage proper hand hygiene among children, emphasising the importance of thorough washing.
Tip 5: Be mindful of disposal
- If using paper hand towels, dispose of them in designated waste bins.
- For hand dryers, avoid creating unnecessary waste by not using excessive paper towels or leaving used ones on surfaces.
By incorporating these tips into your hand hygiene routine, you can promote effective cleansing and minimise the risk of spreading germs. Whether you opt for paper hand towels or hand dryers, the key is consistency and attention to detail in the handwashing and drying process.