Is it better to dry your hands with paper towels or with a hand dryer? There are many factors to consider, from hand hygiene to speed. If you’re trying to decide if your facility’s restroom would benefit more from an air dryer or paper towel dispenser, this guide is for you.
When Paper Towels Make The Most Sense
Your hands feel more dry
Drying your hands with a soft-to-the-touch guest towel typically has a cleaner feel than the warm air of a hand dryer. With disposable guest towels, it’s much easier and more efficient to get your hands completely dry.
Guest towels are more efficient
Electric hand dryers can take at least 45 seconds to dry your hands. By comparison, single-use guest towels take about 15 seconds. Choosing paper towels over air dryers means guests dry their hands faster, and the line keeps moving.
Towels contribute to an elevated bathroom presence
High-quality single-use hand towels, and especially designed guest towels, make any setting feel more elegant. When you customize them with your business logo, you add sophistication and a professional touch. There’s not much getting around the utilitarian look of a hand dryer.
Single-use guest towels may be more hygienic
Studies have shown that hand dryers aren’t nearly as effective at stopping the spread of germs as guest towels. We’ll talk more about that later in this blog.
They’re easier to get up and running
All you need to do is order (and reorder) disposable single-use guest towels for your facilities. There are no installation and maintenance costs. And paper towels don’t break down like hand dryers can — they’re always dependable.
When Hand Dryers Might Make More Sense
If being low-waste is a priority for your business, the biggest advantage of air dryers is you’re not adding anything to a landfill. Additionally, organizations that don’t serve a high volume of guests, electric hand dryers might be lower maintenance and cost effective.
Are Hand Towels Hygienic?
When you look at the science, paper towels are simply the more hygienic hand drying option. Drying your hands is just as crucial to hand hygiene as washing them thoroughly, as bacteria can transfer more easily on wet hands than dry ones.
Research shows that paper towels do a better job of wiping any residue away than hand dryers. Some studies even showed that certain types of hand dryers actually increased the amount of bacteria on participants' hands after use. Air dryers also have been found to spread bacteria up to three feet from their location, while paper towels drastically reduce cross contamination in shared environments.
And when you consider how long it takes for air dryers to work — and the fact that many don’t have the time and end up leaving with only partially dry hands — the choice is clear. Experts from institutions like the Mayo Clinic recommend paper towels over hand dryers in settings like hospitals and care facilities, “where hygiene is paramount.”
Hand Dryers vs. Paper Towels Comparison
| Paper towels | Hand dryers |
| Dry hands within 15 seconds | Takes at least 45 seconds to dry hands |
| No cross contamination | Some studies show spreads bacteria |
| Need to restock supplies | Occasional maintenance on equipment |
| Adds to a pleasant atmosphere | Looks mechanical |
Supplying Your Facility With Naptec
Give your guests and patients convenience, style, and comfort, all in one product. Naptec’s single-use guest towels and paper napkins are American-made with high-quality materials. Get the look and absorbent power of real linen without the hassle of laundry. It’s the perfect choice for any high-volume business, from healthcare to hotels. With more than 25 colors to choose from, customization options for any image or logo, and guaranteed fast wholesale shipping, Naptec delivers elegance, every time.
FAQs on Paper Towels vs. Hand Dryers
Are hand dryers more hygienic than paper towels?
No, hand dryers are not more hygienic than disposable paper towels. Studies show that single-use paper towels are more effective at removing bacteria than air dryers. Additionally, some studies have shown that air dryers increase cross contamination of bacteria.
Are hand dryers cheaper than paper towels?
While hand dryers don’t have the ongoing costs associated with restocking paper towels, they do come with higher upfront costs. Installing an electric hand dryer can cost up to $1,000.
Do paper towels help reduce the spread of germs?
Yes, paper towels are the more effective hand drying method when it comes to reducing germs. Studies have shown that paper towels are more effective at removing bacteria. Additionally, paper towels are better at drying hands 100%. Since bacteria transfers more easily on wet skin than dry skin, paper towels are the more hygienic option.
Are paper towels eco-friendly?
When made with eco-friendly materials, such as recycled paper, disposable paper towels can be an eco-friendly option.
Why are hand dryers considered less hygienic?
Hand dryers aren’t as effective at completely drying your hands, making it easier to spread germs. Additionally, some studies have shown that as hand dryers blow air, they can spread bacteria far from their location, as much as three feet in distance.
