Paper Towels vs Hand Dryers - Which is Better?

One of the biggest debates within the sanitaryware world is which product is better – paper towels or hand dryers? This is a big bone of contention for many office blocks, schools and factories who are unsure which product to buy due to the many factors that come into play when choosing the right product. These include economic and environmental factors as well as ease of installation. We hope that here we can discuss many of the different views on which way of drying your hands is most suited to different applications and locations.

Paper towels are one of the most conventional ways of drying hands. There are many different paper towel dispensers on the market, ranging in size, shape and capacity. Paper towel dispensers are ideal for use in smaller spaces because they are easy to install and are generally cheaper than most hand dryers in the market. In terms of hygiene, paper towels are better compared to hand dryers as you are physically wiping your hands dry, rather than blowing warm air to dry the water. This means that paper towels are used in high hygiene areas such as hospitals and doctors surgeries.

Small Paper Towel Dispenser

WA0215 Small Paper Towel Dispenser

On the flip side, paper towels are worse for the environment in comparison to hand dryers – the paper that is used cannot be recycled and so masses of waste paper goes to landfill. However, this is offset by most paper towels being manufactured from recycled paper thus helping the environment. In addition, you generally need more than a couple of sheets to thoroughly dry your hands which leads to a higher amount of paper going to waste.

Designer Recessed Paper Towel Dispenser

WA20452  Designer Recessed Paper Towel Dispenser

On the other hand, hand dryers are the most popular way of drying hands. From the early design of the foot pedal to the push button operated, to the new, modern sensor operated models, hand dryers seem to be installed in most locations. These include schools, motorways services, airports and office blocks. This is because they are the fastest and most “efficient” way to dry hands. Although these models have a high initial cost for the unit, you don’t have to buy supplies for it which makes it much more economical in comparison to paper towels which need to be regularly replenished. Most new, modern hand dryers are very economical to run. The costs of running a hand dryer is substantially cheaper than using hand towels.

Small Automatic Hand and Face Dryer

WA0144 Small Automatic Hand and Face Dryer

This being said, there are arguments to say that more modern, faster hand dryers are not very hygienic because the water collects at the bottom. This stagnant water can then be blown up onto the clean hands and into the air from the force of the air, further spreading germs and dirt. This can be a big cause for concern in areas like hospitals, schools and offices with the potential spread of viruses.

Stainless Steel High Speed Hand Dryer

WA0197-2-92 Stainless Steel High Speed Hand Dryer

In conclusion, both of these products can be suitable for all applications, however it depends on the installation location. For high traffic areas, hand dryers may be a better product as they are more cost effective. On the other hand, paper towels are more hygienic but have a higher cost implication, and so are probably more suited to smaller establishments.

If you have any queries regarding paper towel dispensers or hand dryers, please feel free to give us a call on 01452 721 211, or drop us an email at [email protected] and we will be happy to help you with your enquiry.

https://www.nhs.uk/news/lifestyle-and-exercise/paper-towels-may-be-more-hygienic-than-air-dryers/

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/apr/25/hand-dryers-paper-towels-hygiene-dyson-airblade

https://www.greenschoolsalliance.org/blogs/16/394

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