The Big Hand-Drying Debate: Paper Towel Dispensers vs Hand Dryers

It’s a choice we’re faced with almost every day – should you use paper towels or hand dryers? Both have their benefits, but is one better than the other?
Creating the right washroom environment is important for your guests. Not only must your facilities be clean and welcoming, but they should also provide visitors with everything they need to maintain adequate hand hygiene. Hand dryers and paper towel dispensers are both popular facilities in washrooms, but which should you choose for yours? What is the better option, both hygiene-wise and environmentally?
In this post, we’ll settle the debate of paper towel dispensers vs hand dryers to help you decide which one you need for your washroom.

The importance of hand hygiene

The importance of hand hygiene can’t be stressed enough. The World Health Organisation says proper hand care can prevent up to 50% of avoidable infections. Not only is it vital for personal health, but it can help prevent the spread of diseases and infections, something that can have a serious impact on the workforce. While adequate handwashing is largely up to individuals, businesses and organisations can play their part by providing the right facilities to visitors.

The battle for dry hands: Paper Towel Dispenser vs Hand Dryer

When it comes to drying hands, businesses can often face a choice between traditional paper towel dispensers and modern hand dryers. Each option has its pros and cons, and the decision often boils down to factors such as efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.

Which is better for the environment?

There has been growing concern about the environmental impact of everyday products and practices. Paper towels contribute to deforestation and waste, as they are typically single-use items that end up in landfills. On the other hand, hand dryers consume energy, which can be costly for businesses and the environment. Hand dryers are largely considered the more environmentally friendly option if they are energy-efficient and maintained to ensure a longer lifespan, although automatic paper towel dispensers can help reduce waste and ensure people only use what they need, instead of tearing off too many sheets of paper that end up in the bin.

Which is better for hygiene?

Hygiene is one of the most important factors when choosing your washroom facilities. In the case of paper towel dispensers vs hand dryers, you should look at both options and how they can improve hygiene practices within your premises. In public spaces where multiple individuals come into contact with the same facilities, you need to
ensure you are doing what you can to encourage effective hand hygiene.
Studies have shown that both paper towels and hand dryers can effectively remove moisture from hands, but paper towels may have a slight edge in terms of removing bacteria. However, both methods can be very effective when hand washing is done properly.

Paper towel dispensers versus hand dryers: Choosing the right one for your business

When deciding between a paper towel dispenser versus a hand dryer for a business or commercial setting, several factors should be taken into account. Some important considerations include:
• The volume of traffic
• Budget
• Maintenance requirements
• Environmental policies
• The nature of your industry

As you can see, it’s not always straightforward to decide on the right hand drying facilities for your washroom. Many businesses choose to provide both, ensuring users have a choice of hand-drying methods. You may want to examine the cost of using each type of drying method to help you make your decision. You could also ask your customers or employees for feedback to help you make a decision.

Take care of all your hand-drying needs with phs

Whether you prefer to offer your visitors paper towels or electric hand-dryers to dry their hands, phs Direct has everything you need to provide the best washroom facilities for your guests. Our Wellgo Grab & Tear Automatic Paper Dispenser provides the ideal solution for those wanting to provide paper towels, ensuring both a hygienic and waste-saving way to help customers dry their hands. Meanwhile our range of commercial and dryers includes different models to help you find the perfect fit for your washroom.
While choosing between a paper towel dispenser and a hand dryer can feel like a difficult choice, phs Direct is here to ensure you have everything you need to provide the best washroom facilities for your guests. We strive to provide our customers with innovative solutions that not only help maintain washroom hygiene but help the environment too. Contact phs today for more information about our hand-drying facilities, or to place an order with us directly.