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July 1, 2025

Paper Towels vs Hand Dryers: The Bacterial Problem with Hand Dryers

When it comes to hygiene, drying your hands thoroughly is just as important as washing them. But not all drying methods are equal. Here’s why hand dryers can present hidden bacterial hazards, and why paper towels are often the cleaner choice.

Grime Traps in Dryer Nozzles

Even if hand dryers look clean, their internal mechanisms can harbour bacteria. A University of Connecticut–Quinnipiac study found that petri dishes exposed to hot-air dryers for just 30 seconds grew up to 254 bacterial colonies, compared to just 1 colony when dryers were off (source: ASM Journal & Harvard University). Installing HEPA filters reduced bacterial spread by 75%, indicating that air intake, and hidden grime inside the dryer, is a key contamination source.

Toilet Plume Amplifies the Problem

Every flushing toilet releases a toilet plume — a spray of aerosolised faecal particles that can float over 6 m² (source: Harvard University). Hand dryers suck in this contaminated air and then blow it back onto hands, clothes, and into the environment.

Aerosolised Bacteria and Wider Spread

Studies have shown jet air dryers can spread bacteria up to 2 metres away (Source: FMJ). One UK hospital study found jet dryers contaminated bathroom air 27-fold more than paper towels, and dissemination persisted for 15 minutes after use (source: Vanguard).

Residual Moisture Helps Bacteria Thrive

Air dryers often leave hands damp, and moisture fosters bacterial survival and transfer. In healthcare settings, hospital researchers concluded that hand dryers were unsuitable due to this lingering moisture and increased risk of germ transmission (Source: Wired).

By Contrast: Paper Towels Remove Bacteria

Research consistently shows that paper towels physically remove bacteria, while dryers spread them:

  • A 2008 study found jet dryers increased bacteria on fingertips by 42%, while paper towels reduced bacterial presence by up to 77%. (Source: The Guardian).
  • The Mayo Clinic (2012) recommended paper towels in hygiene‑critical areas like hospitals. (Source: Mayo Clinic).
  • A review noted air dryers increased bacterial counts on palms by 117%, whereas paper towels reduced them by 24%. (Source: European Tissue Symposium from TUV study).

Choose Hygiene That Works: Autotowel

Our Autotowel Touch‑Free Paper Towel Dispenser addresses these concerns:

  • No internal nozzles, no grime traps or bacterial build-up
  • No air-blast, no spreading of toilet plume
  • Removes bacteria physically with absorbent towel
  • Touch-free dispensing reduces cross-contamination
  • FSC paper, efficient & sustainable

👉 Learn more about Autotowel here

🧼 Final Word If hygiene is a priority, the science is clear: paper towels outperform hand dryers in reducing bacterial spread, maintaining dryness, and limiting contamination. For public washrooms in Australia and NZ, especially hospitals, schools, offices, and healthcare facilities, Autotowel offers a cleaner, safer solution.

👉 Get a free quote now

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Mairangi Bay School

Holly Fang - Executive Officer

We have been using Autotowels for nearly 10 years now. It has proven to be great in waste control, and the touch-free function enhances the hygiene benefits. This has been especially valuable in the current pandemic. Apart from the great products, Hygiene Systems also provides a trouble-free service.

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Animates NZ

Christine Moore - Operations

Delcia and her team continuously provide us with the high service levels we expect for our 31 retail stores nationwide, along with our recently acquired Wellington vet clinics. Their pricing is competitive and they are always willing to work with us on new products or services that may be of benefit to our business. We have no hesitation in recommending Delcia and her team to any business seeking nationwide hygiene services.

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Burnside High School

Walter Lauder - Facilities Manager

Their service has been faultless and professional.

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The Wellington City Mission

Chris Gray - GM Corporate Services

We have found they have a great range of quality products that are fairly priced. They also provide exceptional service to ensure the solution does all its supposed to without the need to ask.

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Mana Medical Centre Ltd

MaryAnne Mackenzie - Practice Manager

The initial transition was seamless with little disruption to our services in the medical centre. The ongoing service we have received from our account manager and the staff that service us on a regular basis has been excellent, prompt and professional.

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Dental Planet

Keighley

We use Hygiene Systems services in our clinics and highly recommend them to anyone. Their professional staff made installation quick and hassle-free. Communication is seamless through their Hoop247 app. Our team appreciates the consistent, quality service, products and support.

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AUT Millennium

Steven Lindsay - General Manager

They are very competitive price wise and possess a culture of excellent customer service. Hygiene Systems is always available to sort out any issues that may arise and keeps up communication lines which I find important in any relationship. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Hygiene Systems to any other hygiene user.

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Cashmere High School

Les Wilson - Property Manager

If we ever need anything extra they are always very accommodating and are always quick with a solution to our enquiries.

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Port Nicholson Medical

Andrea Dyer - Practice Manager

Hygiene Systems provide an efficient and cost effective service to our medical centre. They are really helpful and responsive to any enquiries and are a pleasure to deal with.

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Calbeni Flooring

Kim Meads

We never have problems with ordering stock as you never run out of what we need, and we appreciate this also.

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The Learning Connexion

John Davies - Maintenance Co-ordinator

The whole process has been made very simple and efficient for us from ordering, through to delivery and servicing and we are grateful to Katie and her team for all that they provide. Long may it continue.

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St Elizabeth's Anglican Church

Vanessa Sealy-Fisher

I love the equipment we had installed. It's amazing the difference it makes to the space - makes it look really clean and tidy and gives it a real lift.

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Massey University

Paul Compton

Really great service, can-do, quick and easy and they followed all our protocols - we hardly knew they were there. The housekeepers are very pleased with the improved dispensers and the general look of the bathrooms.

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