January 28, 2025

If You Skip This Step, Are Your Hands Really Clean? | The Importance of Hand Drying

Did you know that damp hands can spread up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands, yet only 20% of individuals take the time to dry their hands properly after washing (LCHCIA) ? It is an often-overlooked step, with many resorting to ineffective methods such as shaking their hands in the air or wiping their hands on clothing. While these shortcuts may seem harmless, skipping this final step could undo all the benefits of proper handwashing. In this blog, we will explore the critical role hand drying plays in maintaining hygiene and how this final step ensures your efforts are not compromised.

Why Handwashing Alone Isn’t Enough: Wet vs Dry Hands

Handwashing before and after critical activities is believed to be the most important step to hand hygiene. However, soap and water alone only mechanically remove bacteria from hands (Harvard Health Publishing, 2007). Neglecting to dry your hands properly afterward is what can undermine your efforts. Washing hands can bring bacteria from the pores of your skin and under your nails to the surface (Royal Society for Public Health, n.d.). If your hands are left damp, they create an environment where bacteria can thrive and attract additional germs, further compromising your hygiene. These bacteria can then easily transfer to commonly touched surfaces, such as door handles, counters, and keyboards, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

person touching handle of microwave

Best Hand Drying Methods for Hygiene: Which Is Right?

While there is extensive research on effective handwashing techniques, studies on hand drying remain limited, and there is no definitive consensus on the most hygienic and safe method (Reynolds et al., 2020). Public restrooms typically offer three common options: air dryers, paper towels, and/or cloth towels. The best choice often depends on factors such as foot traffic, industry requirements, and the critical need for sterilization. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, making it important to evaluate which option best fits your facility’s needs.

Jet air dryers, though widely used in many public spaces, have raised concerns in environments where sterilization and hygiene are critical. Studies have shown that air dryers have the potential to transfer more bacteria. Moura et al. (2022) found that air dryers were associated with 88% bacterial transfer, compared to just 29% with paper towels. These findings often prompt further research and caution, particularly in facilities where controlling the spread of germs is essential.

On the other hand, paper and cloth towels offer more efficient drying times and may be preferable in settings that require faster hand drying and higher hygiene standards. A review by Huang et al. (2012) examined several studies comparing drying times. For example, Redway and Fawdar (2008) found that paper towels removed residual moisture from hands more effectively than air dryers. It took 40 seconds of using a hot air dryer to achieve the same dryness as paper towels. Similarly, Knights et al. (1993) found that cloth roll towels achieved 85% dryness in just 5 seconds, while it took 20seconds under a hot air dryer to achieve only 70% dryness. These time differences are particularly important for facilities where quick and thorough hand drying is critical.

upper photo is a picture of hands using cloth roll towel, bottom photo is a picture of hands using hand air dryer

Why Businesses Need the Right Hand Drying Solution

Choosing the right hand drying solution is crucial for businesses to ensure hygiene, efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. In industries with high hygiene standards, certain drying methods may be preferred over others. For example, in certain public restrooms within a facility, paper towels and cloth roll towels are often favoured over air dryers to reduce the spread of germs. Additionally, as previously mentioned, paper and cloth towels dry hands more thoroughly and quickly compared to air dryers.

When it comes to efficiency, paper or cloth towel options can dry hands faster, while air dryers may take longer to achieve the same result. For businesses looking to balance efficiency with environmental impact, paper towels are often viewed as less sustainable, while air dryers and cloth roll towels are considered more eco-friendly options. Sustainability goes beyond the final product; it also includes how the products are maintained. At our facility, we manage cloth roll towels using a state-of-the-art machine that efficiently cleans, dries, and re-rolls the towels, minimizing water usage. This machine is one of the most efficient and sustainable in North America for roll cloth towel maintenance.

Finally, understanding the customer base that visits your facility plays a key role in determining the most suitable hand drying solution. If your facility experiences high traffic, consider whether you will be able to replenish rolls regularly and keep the facility clean, preventing overflow of paper in bins. Ensuring your staff and customers have the right tools readily available will also contribute to a positive environment and boost morale.

chart showing critical features of each hand drying option, such as hand air dryer, paper, and cloth.

Effective hand drying is a critical component of maintaining proper hygiene and preventing the spread of germs. While handwashing removes bacteria, improper or incomplete drying can leave hands damp, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Businesses must carefully consider their options when selecting a hand drying solution, whether it is the quick-drying efficiency of hand paper towels, the sustainability of cloth roll towels, or the convenience of air dryers. Each method has its advantages depending on factors such as foot traffic, hygiene standards, and environmental impact. By selecting the right solution for your business needs, you can ensure that both staff and customers enjoy a clean, safe, and hygienic environment—ultimately supporting their operational success and customer satisfaction. If you have any question about any of our hand drying products for washroom facilities, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

References

Harvard Health Publishing. (2007). The handiwork of good health. Harvard Health. Retrieved January 6, 2025, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/The_handiwork_of_good_health

Huang, C.,Ma, W., & Stack, S. (2012). The hygienic efficacy of different hand-drying methods: A review of the evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87(8), 791–798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2012.02.019

Knights, B., Evans, C., Barrass, S., & McHardy, B. (1993). Hand drying: An assessment of efficiency and hygiene of different methods: A survey carried out by the Applied Ecology Research Group for the Association of Makers of Soft Tissue Papers. University of Westminster. London, UK.

LCHCIA.(n.d.). Handwashing facts and gross statistics. LCHCIA. https://www.lchcia.com/blog/handwashing-facts-and-gross-statistics.

Moura, I.B., Bentley, K., & Wilcox, M. H. (2022). Assessment of potential for viralcontamination of user and environment via aerosols generated during handdrying: A pilot study. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1010802

Redway, K.,& Fawdar, S. (2008). A comparative study of three different hand drying methods: Paper towel, warm air dryer, jet air dryer. European Tissue Symposium. Retrieved from http://www.europeantissue.com/pdfs/090402-2008%20WUS%20Westminster%20University%20hygiene%20study,%20nov2008.pdf

Reynolds, K.A., Sexton, J. D., Norman, A., & McClelland, D. J. (2020). Comparison of electric hand dryers and paper towels for hand hygiene: A critical review of the literature. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 130(1), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.14796

Royal Society for Public Health. (n.d.). The impact of hygiene on public health: A review of the evidence. Royal Society for Public Health. https://www.rsph.org.uk/static/uploaded/69b7242b-b47c-4c7d-94f341b2a44ab075.pdf

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