In the world of hygiene products, the debate between hand dryers and paper towels is long-standing. You may find yourself asking: "Are hand dryers more hygienic than paper towels for my school?"
When it comes to hygiene, paper towels hold a significant advantage. Each towel is used once and then discarded, minimising the risk of bacteria and germs spreading. In contrast, studies have shown that hand dryers may contribute to the increase in the number of germs left on your hands due to the heat and air flow they produce.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts even recommended using paper towels over hand dryers in toilets and washrooms. The single-use nature of paper towels makes them a safer option for drying hands, particularly in a school environment where hygiene is paramount.
Paper towels are not only hygienic but also highly effective. They absorb moisture quickly, leaving hands dry and reducing the potential for bacterial growth. Hand dryers, on the other hand, often take longer to dry your hands thoroughly. This can lead to people leaving the toilet with still damp hands, which is less than ideal from a hygiene perspective.
Perception plays a significant role in the hand dryers vs paper towels debate. Many people find paper towels more convenient and comfortable to use. They provide a tactile sensation of drying hands and are often associated with cleanliness. Moreover, paper towels offer a quicker drying experience compared to hand dryers. There's no need to wait in a queue for a hand dryer when a paper towel can do the job instantly.
Sustainability is a crucial concern for many schools, and paper towels can contribute positively in this regard. Many paper towels are made from recycled materials and can be composted after use. This helps to reduce their environmental impact and contributes to the UK's Net Zero by 2030 goals.
Cost is another critical factor to consider. Paper towels have an ongoing cost as they must be continually replenished. However, despite this ongoing expense, paper towels may still be a more cost-effective option for schools when considering their other benefits. Hand dryers, while having a lower ongoing cost, require a significant initial investment for purchase and installation, as well as ongoing cleaning and maintenance costs. For many schools, the balance of costs may tip in favour of paper towels, especially with electricity prices being high.
While hand dryers and paper towels have pros and cons, paper towels usually emerge as the superior choice for schools, offering advantages in terms of hygiene, effectiveness, convenience, sustainability, and cost.
To improve your school's cleaning and hygiene practices further, why not take advantage of Power Hygiene's free site cleaning evaluation? It's an excellent opportunity to get expert advice tailored to your school's specific needs.