Walking into a public restroom with sparkling floors, streak-free mirrors, and fresh aromas is what every guest hopes for. However, even the cleanest restrooms can be a germ danger zone due to an often-overlooked restroom process: hand drying.
Most restrooms offer at least one of three hand-drying options: paper towels, air dryers, or jet dryers. When air or jet dryers are the only option, facility costs may be lower, but customers are often left with wet or damp hands after leaving the restroom if the air pressure is too low.
Facility managers should understand how different hand drying methods can impact cleanliness and health beyond the restroom.
Hot Air Problems
Hot air dryers remove water by evaporation and direct air movement mainly downwards. In contrast, jet air dryers remove water through forces in opposite directions and dispersion into the air, Jet dryers, due to their speed and construction, spread more viruses than the warm air dryer, and much more than paper towels.
The Benefits of Paper
Paper towels are popular among restroom guests. Given the choice, most people prefer paper towels to hot air dryers. By providing paper towels in public restrooms, facility managers give customers their desired hand drying method, and get a cleaner, healthier environment in return.
While it may sound like a myth, paper towels can be a sustainable and cost-friendly hand drying option.
No Longer a Debate
The choice of whether to provide paper towels or air dryers within restrooms is no longer an equal sided debate; research shows that paper towels take the hygiene crown. If you’re skeptical, it’s worth asking yourself where the air that the dryers blow actually comes from – inside the bathroom!
