Paper Towels vs. Hand Dryers
Which Option Supports Better Hand Hygiene?
Bacteria transfer more easily from wet skin than from dry skin, so effective hand drying is a critical step in any hand hygiene program. In public restrooms, the two most common drying methods are paper towels and electric hand dryers. Each option affects hygiene, user behavior, sustainability, and operating costs in different ways. Understanding these tradeoffs helps facility leaders select the solution that best supports their environment, traffic levels, and risk profile.
Paper Towels
Advantages and Considerations
Paper towels have remained the dominant hand-drying method in many facilities because they support both hygiene and speed.
Hygiene Performance
When handwashing technique is inconsistent, residual microbes may remain on the skin. Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that paper towels can remove additional microorganisms during the drying process. The friction created while wiping physically lifts bacteria and viruses from the hands, reducing the microbial load before users leave the sink area.
Single-use towels also reduce the potential for cross-contamination. Once used, contaminants are removed from the restroom through normal waste disposal rather than remaining in the environment.
Speed and User Throughput
Paper towels dry hands quickly. In high-traffic restrooms, fast drying improves user flow and reduces congestion around the sink area. Faster throughput can also improve compliance, since users are less likely to leave with wet hands.
Installation and Flexibility
Most dispensers are mechanical or battery powered and can be installed without electrical work. This allows facilities to add or reposition dispensers quickly when traffic patterns change or hygiene needs increase.
Sustainability Options
Today's towel programs can reduce environmental impact. Many manufacturers offer products made with recycled fiber and post-consumer content. For example, recycled towel lines with third-party certifications help facilities support sustainability goals while maintaining hygiene performance.
Tradeoffs
Paper towels create solid waste and require ongoing replenishment. Facilities must manage storage, inventory, and waste removal as part of routine restroom service.
Hand Dryers
Advantages and Considerations
Warm-air and high-speed jet dryers are often selected to reduce consumables and visible waste.
Reduced Solid Waste
Because dryers eliminate paper consumption, they decrease the volume of restroom trash and reduce the need to restock towels. This can support sustainability initiatives focused on waste reduction.
Operating Cost Structure
While the initial purchase and installation costs are higher, ongoing operating expenses may be lower because there is no recurring towel spend.
Hygiene Concerns
Several studies, including research published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, have shown that some dryers can disperse microorganisms into the surrounding air. High-velocity jet dryers in particular may spread contaminants farther than traditional warm-air models. This is a meaningful concern in healthcare, foodservice, and other high-risk environments where infection prevention is a priority.
Drying Effectiveness
If hands remain damp after drying, the likelihood of bacterial transfer increases. Some users do not remain at the dryer long enough to achieve full dryness, which can reduce the hygiene benefit of handwashing.
User Experience in Busy Facilities
Dryers typically require more time per user than paper towels. In high-traffic restrooms, this can create lines, encourage rushed behavior, or lead some individuals to skip proper drying altogether.
Operational Impact on Cleaning Labor
Although dryers eliminate towel restocking, they do not significantly reduce overall restroom service requirements. Custodial teams must still clean fixtures, disinfect high-touch surfaces, service floors, and remove waste from other sources. The net impact on total labor is often modest.
Talk to Hillyard About Your Options
Both paper towels and hand dryers offer legitimate benefits, but they support different operational priorities. Paper towels generally provide stronger hygiene performance, faster drying, and reduced cross-contamination risk, while hand dryers reduce solid waste and recurring consumable costs. The right choice depends on the facility’s traffic volume, risk tolerance, sustainability goals, and user expectations.
If you are evaluating hand-drying options, a Hillyard representative can help you compare lifecycle cost, hygiene performance, and installation requirements to determine the best fit for your facility. Use the “I’m Interested” form at the bottom of this page to start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hand dryers more hygienic than paper towels?
Both methods can be effective, but research shows paper towels often remove more residual microorganisms due to the physical wiping action. Some dryers may also disperse microbes into the air, which can increase cross-contamination risk in sensitive environments.
Are hand dryers cheaper than paper towels?
Hand dryers typically require a higher upfront investment but lower ongoing operating costs. Paper towels have a lower installation cost but require continuous purchasing and replenishment.
Do paper towels help reduce the spread of germs?
Yes. The wiping action helps remove microbes from the skin, and the contaminants are discarded with the towel, removing them from the restroom environment.
Which option should most facilities choose?
High-traffic, healthcare, foodservice, and education environments often prioritize paper towels because of hygiene and speed. Facilities focused primarily on waste reduction or long-term consumable cost may prefer dryers, provided hygiene risks are acceptable.