Hand Towels vs. Hand Dryers: Making the Right Choice for Your Office.

Hand towels and hand air dryers are both commonly used in public restrooms to dry hands, but they have distinct differences in terms of hygiene, cost, and environmental impact.

Discover the difference between hand towels and hand dryers in terms of hygiene, cost, and environmental impact. Find out which option is best for your commercial office building and learn about the pros and cons of each.

Hygiene

Hand towels are generally considered more hygienic than jet air dryers because they are disposable and can be replaced after each use. Hand air dryers, on the other hand, circulate air that may contain bacteria and viruses, and can spread germs if not cleaned properly.

Additionally, a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that jet air dryers caused bacteria levels to increase by 42% compared to only 11% for paper towels.

Source: kcprofessional.com

Furthermore, the World Health Organization recommends the use of single-use paper towels as they are more effective in removing bacteria and viruses from hands.

Cost

Hand towels may come at a slightly higher cost on paper, as they can be replaced as needed and refills may be purchased through a commercial cleaning company. Hand air dryers, on the other hand, are typically a one-time upfront cost for the equipment and installation however most do require electricity to run and may need to be repaired or replaced over time, resulting in ongoing costs. Costs for both options will also greatly depend on the usage so it is best to work with a professional cleaning company to better understand both options.

Environmental impact

Hand towels are not as environmentally friendly as they generate a lot of waste. Although many hand towel options now incorporate recycled material reducing their overall imprint, they must be thrown away after use.

Hand jet dryers, on the other hand, produce no waste mean although it does use more electricity. If the hand dryer is not a high-grade, energy-efficient dryer, it may have a greater environmental impact than paper towels.

Conclusion

All-in-all, hand towels, and hand air dryers both have their pros and cons and it is best to speak to a professional before choosing an option for your commercial office building. Hand towels are more hygienic, but generate a lot of waste and at times may cost more. Hand dryers are more cost-effective and eco-friendlier, but can be less hygienic. Ultimately, the best option depends on the specific needs and priorities of the facility or organization.