It’s no secret that hygiene standards have come a long way since the Industrial Revolution, ensuring homes, workplaces and public places are much more hygienic than they used to be. Washing hands is one of the simplest ways to prevent infection and the spread of bacteria. Hand washing plays a critical role in reducing health care associated infections by employing proper techniques such as timing and thoroughness. Thanks to advances in technology and greater awareness, most washrooms are equipped with everything you need to wash your hands and help maintain clean and hygienic spaces.
We’re fortunate to have several options available for washing our hands, and drying them, with two of the most common methods being either the hand dryer or the paper towel. But which is more effective?
We take a closer look at the ongoing debate of “hand dryers vs paper towels,” including their efficiency, hygiene, environmental impact, and cost effectiveness to help determine the most appropriate method for drying your hands.
Efficiency and speed of hand dryers
Modern hand dryers have come a long way from their early iterations. The latest models, including our SM48-820W energy-efficient dryer, can dry hands in as little as 15-17 seconds, cutting drying time significantly. This quick drying time not only enhances user convenience but also helps reduce queue times in busy washrooms”hand dryers, particularly warm air and high speed low energy dryers”, differ in their effectiveness at drying hands and removing bacteria.
High speed low energy dryers, while efficient at drying hands, tend to be noisier than other methods and are often viewed unfavorably in terms of hygiene compared to paper towels, especially in high risk environments like healthcare settings.
Paper towels, meanwhile, often require multiple sheets to achieve complete dryness, which can be time consuming and less effective. And if paper towels run out, this could cause significant problems for users.
Hygiene and cleanliness in hand drying methods
One of the primary concerns in washrooms is hygiene. High speed low energy hand dryers, are highly effective at removing bacteria from hands, thanks to their powerful air streams, which can also help people dry their hands quicker. Proper hand drying is crucial in reducing bacterial transmission, as wet skin is more likely to harbor bacteria compared to dry skin. Hand dryers also eliminate the need for touchpoints that can harbour germs, such as the dispensers and waste bins associated with paper towels. A touch free approach significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and means there are fewer touchpoints to maintain within the washroom.
Environmental impact of paper towels
From an environmental perspective, in the debate of hand dryers vs paper towels, hand dryers clearly have the upper hand. However, using recycled paper towels is presented as a potentially sustainable alternative. The production and disposal of paper towels contribute to deforestation, increased landfill waste, and higher carbon emissions. Hand dryers, particularly those designed with energy efficiency in mind, have a much lower environmental footprint. By switching to hand dryers, businesses and facilities can significantly reduce their ecological impact, cutting down the volumes of waste used.
Cost effectiveness
For businesses looking to save money, high speed low energy hand dryers can be more cost effective than paper towels over time. While the initial investment in hand dryers can be higher, the ongoing costs associated with paper towels—such as purchasing, stocking, and waste management—add up quickly. Hand dryers require minimal maintenance and no recurring supply costs, offering substantial savings in the long run. Choosing an energy efficient hand dryer can also help you reduce your costs, minimising the amount of energy used.
User experience
High speed low energy hand dryers also provide a much more pleasant user experience with an efficient hand drying method. Surveys indicate that the preferred hand drying method for a significant majority of users is paper towels, which are favored over options like warm air dryers.
Washrooms equipped with hand dryers are often cleaner and less cluttered, as there is no paper waste to manage. This creates a more hygienic and welcoming environment for users. It also reduces the problems that can be caused by flushing paper towels down the toilet, which can cause plumbing issues.
The verdict
Overall, using high speed low energy hand dryers for hand drying is much more effective than using paper towels. Hand dryers provide convenience, hygiene and help produce less waste, while also providing a more user-friendly experience.
For modern washrooms, providing hand dryers keeps things simple, helping users wash their hands quickly so they can get back to their day. While many washrooms offer both, you might want to consider phasing out paper towels to save money and reduce your impact on the environment. You could even ask for feedback about the types of hand drying methods your users prefer to ensure you’re giving them the right experience.
High-performance hand dryers with phs Warner Howard
Now that you’ve explored the question of hand dryers vs paper towels, you might be thinking it’s time to invest in new hand dryers for your washrooms. As experts in all things hand dryer related, you can rely on Warner Howard to kit you out with everything you need to maintain a hygienic and convenient washroom.
Check out our full selection of products to see the latest hand drying technology, and discover why clients all over the UK choose phs Warner Howard as their hand dryer supplier. Ditch the paper towels and make the move to hand dryers today.
