Are Hand Dryers Sanitary in Public Washrooms? A Closer Look at Hygienic Drying Methods

Public washrooms have evolved significantly in the past few years – from bar soap and shared towels to motion activated taps and automatic blade hand dryers. But one question continues to stir up debate: Are hand dryers sanitary? The answer isn’t exactly a straight forward one, and with heightened concerns about hygiene and health in a post-pandemic world, it is a topic we thought worth exploring in a blog post. Let’s take a deep dive into the facts behind how we dry and our hands when in a shared space.

Why you should always dry your hands after washing them

Most people understand the importance of washing hands, especially after using the loo and even more so when outside of the home. But what many people do not realise is that drying them properly is just as crucial. Wet hands can transfer germs way more easily than dry ones. According to the NHS and other health bodies, damp hands are up to 1,000 times more likely to spread bacteria than dry hands. So, washing thoroughly but then walking away with moist palms kind of defeats the purpose of washing them in the first place. Here’s why: moisture left on the skin creates an absolutely ideal environment for microbes to survive, multiply and then to transfer to other surfaces. This is made even worse if you are one of those who shakes their hands dry when leaving the washroom. 

But there are other reasons for drying your hands too. Proper hand drying helps prevent skin irritation and cracking, which can be caused by residual water and cold air exposure — both of which can compromise the skin’s natural barrier and lead to dry, uncomfortable skin – especially in the colder months. In extreme cases, frequently having wet hands can contribute to the development or worsening of hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis. 

So, now we know the importance of drying hands after washing them, what is the best way to go about it?

The Argument for hand dryers

Hand dryers,especially modern high-speed and ‘jet’ models have become increasingly popular in public toilets due to their performance and convenience. They also require very little upkeep – doing away with the need for constant paper resticking and bin emptying, which in term will keep operational costs down.

Some manufacturers claim that their hand dryers use HEPA filters to remove bacteria from the air that they expel, making them much more hygienic than older dryers that used merely hot air. Plus, unlike paper towels -which could run out or be incorrectly discarded – dryers offer a consistent, touch-free method of drying your hands, which in turn, will help to reduce surface contact and the spread of germs: one of the greatest concerns for all who use a shared toilet facility.

Then there is the sustainability angle. With an ever growing focus on reducing waste, reserving resources and doing all that we can to minimise our impact on the environment, some argue that energy efficient hand dryers are worlds ahead of paper towels, which are discarded in their millions on a daily basis. A study by MIT in 2020 found that, while both systems have environmental impacts, the newer energy saving hand dryers generally produce fewer carbon emissions over time when compared to constant paper towel use.

The argument against hand dryers

First of all it is important to address a popular myth: that all hand dryers are inherently unhygienic. While studies do raise valid concerns, particularly about older or unfiltered models, many of the hygiene risks depend on how the dryer is maintained and the cleanliness of the surrounding and surface environment.

One often cited study was published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology and found that jet air dryers dispersed 1,300 times more viral particles than paper towels. That’s because they blow high-speed air, which can aerosolise germs from hands — or even from the air in the washroom — and circulate them more widely.

Other studies have also indicated that ambient bacteria within public washrooms can be sucked up into hand dryers and blown back onto users’ hands. Again – this will depend on the cleanliness of the actual washroom and is a moot point if the dryer has filters to mitigate this.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been renewed scrutiny around shared washroom facilities, with many people becoming more aware of how germs spread through surfaces and the air. In this context, some users have avoided hand dryers altogether — particularly in healthcare settings — in favour of more traditional paper towels, which physically remove water and bacteria from the skin – however the efficacy of this method, again, will rely on the washroom and the towel dispenser itself being thoroughly and regularly cleaned.

It is also worth noting that sometimes choosing to not use a hand dryer may be a personal choice. Dryers, especially newer, high impact ones, can create extremely loud noises, which can be challenging or distressing to those with sensory sensitivities and certain disabilities. Plus, in small locations there may only be a single hand dryer, which -if placed where a standing person’s hands naturally sit- may be placed out of reach of those in wheelchairs.

How should you dry your hands?

Now that we have seen the pitfalls of both of the most popular hand drying methods found in modern washrooms, it begs the question: how should you dry your hands to ensure good hygiene? According to many public health experts, the best method is one that dries your hands thoroughly and quickly, without spreading bacteria to or from yourself. Which isn’t exactly the clearest answer. 

Whichever method you use should depend on the risk factors of the location you are in and what you will be doing next. However, it is important to remember that the method will only ever be as good as the execution. Rushing the process, using too little of a paper towel, or leaving your hands even partly damp with greatly undermine the benefits. Whater option is available at the time, it is imperative that you make sure that your hands are completely dry before you leave the bathroom.

And when all else fails, try to have some hand sanitiser close at hand.

So: hand dryers vs towels vs sanitiser? 

Public washrooms vary widely in the facilities they offer, and what’s available can influence hygiene outcomes. Here are some common combinations:

• • Soap and water + paper towels: Generally considered the most effective way to thoroughly dry your hand, and is hygienic when maintained properly.
    Soap and water + hand dryers: Common in modern facilities, though hygiene may depend on the type of dryer and its upkeep.

• • Soap and water + drying hands on clothes: May seem like a good idea in an absolute pinch, but consider the amount of surfaces your clothes have been exposed to, especially in urban environments.

• • Hand sanitiser only: Useful in a pinch, but not a substitute for thorough washing with water and soap, especially after using the toilet.

• • Air dryers without soap: We don’t mean to offer this as an actual example, but put it here to highlight that this is the reality of a lot of poorly maintained washrooms. Unfortunately, still found in some outdated facilities and certainly not recommended for proper hygiene.

Facilities should also ensure options are inclusive and accessible to everyone — from parents with children to people with mobility or sensory needs. Touch-free dispensers, adjustable dryers, and clearly labelled options can make a big difference.

In the ongoing debate of hand dryers vs paper towels, it would appear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. And are hand dryers sanitary? The truth is that it will depend on the type, age, maintenance and location of each individual dryer. 

In many cases, especially where hygiene is a top priority, paper towels still come out ahead. But for eco-conscious users and facility managers, modern, filtered hand dryers can offer a reasonable compromise: as long as the washroom is cleaned regularly and that the users take the time to dry their hands thoroughly every time. 

Want to learn more about hand washing? We’ve got you covered.