As far as a hygienic method of drying hands is concerned, there is simply one choice – paper towels.
This is because paper towels work more quickly than hot air from dryers and they physically remove germs from the hands, according to a recent review of evidence by Dr Cunrui Huang from the Queensland University of Technology, who compared the efficiency of drying methods found in public toilets.
According to the review*, a hand dryer takes 30 seconds longer to achieve about the same dryness as a towel. This is important because most people spend less than 20 seconds drying their hands.
Dr Huang reviewed 12 studies that evaluated the drying efficiency and removal of bacteria when using paper towels, cloth towels, hot air dryers and new jet air systems. He found that it is likely that paper towels work better because they physically remove bacteria from the hands, whereas hot air dryers and jet air dryers cannot.
The review found that from a hygiene viewpoint, paper towels are superior.
Effective hand washing is important because it helps stop the spread of germs from one person to another and from contaminated surfaces to a person’s mouth and eyes.
Kimberly-Clark has a range of paper towels and dispensers to suit a variety of washroom needs. All KLEENEX and SCOTT brand paper towels are FSC certified to guarantee the highest levels of environmental sustainability.
For more information on Kimberly-Clark’s, KLEENEX and SCOTT paper towels visit www.kcprofessional.com.au or call 1800 647 994
*Reference: The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying
Methods: A Review of the Evidence
Cunrui Huang, MMed, MSPH; Wenjun Ma, MD, MPH; and Susan Stack, BBus