The COVID-19 pandemic has put a sharp emphasis on proper hand hygiene. Keeping our hands clean and disinfected continues to be a front-line defense against the spread of the virus. The additional scrutiny on hand washing has re-energized the old debate of air dryers vs paper towels. From a virus control perspective, which method of hand-drying is best?
Several studies have shown that paper towels are more effective at removing residual germs and viruses during the hand-drying process. This is especially true when towels are used to dry hands that may not have been thoroughly washed. It is also important to note that hands that have not been properly dried can increase the risk of virus transmission.
Why are paper towels better during a pandemic? A few reasons...
Friction
During proper hand washing much of the bacteria, germs, and virus are removed during the lathering and rinsing process. However, clinical evidence has shown that some of those contaminates remain on our hands until we get to the drying stage. Those studies have also shown that most of those remaining contaminates are absorbed by paper towels during the drying process. Forced-air hand dryers do not provide the same level of friction on the hands.
Containment
It has also been shown that the use of paper towels, when compared to hand dryers, produces much less spread of germs and virus into the enclosed restroom environment. Virus and other contaminates are absorbed within the paper towels and then disposed of.
Hand dryers can literally blow those contaminates off the hands and into the air---where they are free to contaminate other surfaces or individuals. This is especially dangerous when talking about something as contagious as the COVID-19 virus.
User Preference
Despite the proliferation of forced-air hand dryers, most people still prefer to use paper towels. Surveys have shown that the vast majority, ~ 70%, of people prefer paper towels over hand dryers. When using paper towels, most people will also spend more time making sure their hands are dry. When using an air dryer, many people exit the restroom with hands that are still damp or wet. Wet hands are a more effective transmitter of virus than dry hands.
Forced-air dryers do have a few advantages (promoting a "green" facility, reduction of waste, creating a more tidy restroom environment, etc.), but in terms of providing the most robust hand-drying experience, and controlling the spread of virus, paper towels have a distinct advantage.
Whether your restrooms are in a public school, university, factory, or office building, you are challenged with providing a healthy environment for your occupants. During the COVID-19 pandemic it can be beneficial to consult with a service provider with proven experience in providing cutting-edge disinfecting services. This will include experience with the best solutions for hand-drying.
