With many businesses trying to eliminate waste, costs and “going green”, hand dryers are seen more and more in restrooms.

However, are hand dryers really better for businesses and for us to use? Keep reading to discover some facts about paper towels vs hand dryers!

Paper Towels:

• Require additional costs to restock paper materials when they run out
• Create more waste than hand dryers
• Can create a messy environment (bathroom) by improper disposable (thrown on floor, flushed down toilets)
• Many use paper towels to touch door knobs/handles, faucets, etc. to prevent spreading germs
• Better for use in medical environments where germs are more prevalent

Hand Dryers:

• Create less waste than paper towels
• Less expensive
• Cost less to operate
• May blow dirty air onto your hands. If the dryer is not properly cleaned or dusty, dirt particles may be blown onto the hands you just cleaned!
• Usually only 1 or 2 available in the restroom and each person can take upwards of 1 minute drying their hands. Can cause a backup in crowded areas and not time efficient
• People may not fully dry hands and germs are transmitted more easily with damp hands

Bottom line for businesses: depends on your priorities. If you are looking to cut costs and your environmental waste, hand dryers help you achieve this. If you are looking to provide a slightly more sanitary environment, paper towels are the way to go. Or as a business, you can provide customers with both options and let them decide!

Octagon Building Care is a leader in commercial cleaning and building solutions for Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas. Follow us on Facebook for more great information.