Hand Towels vs Hand Dryers

Let’s be honest — hand drying probably isn’t something you think about every day. But when it comes to running a business, especially in places like schools, offices, hospitality, or healthcare, how people dry their hands really does matter.

So, what’s the better option: hand dryers or paper towels? While both do the job, more and more businesses are choosing hand towels — and not just for hygiene. From lowering your environmental impact to cutting costs, hand towels have some surprising advantages. Here’s a breakdown of why they’re worth a second look.

Hygiene

Dry hands are just as important as clean ones. Damp skin can carry more bacteria, which means drying properly matters — especially in environments like healthcare, food production, or education.

Research indicates that paper towels are more effective at reducing the spread of bacteria. 

1. A University of Westminster study found that jet air dryers can spread 1,300 times more germs than paper towels (The Telegraph, 2016).
2. The NHS recommends using a disposable towel to dry your hands and turn off taps afterwards (NHS, 2019).
3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, senior doctors raised concerns that high-energy hand dryers could help viruses spread in the air, especially in confined spaces (Sky News, 2020).

Paper towels, on the other hand, physically remove germs from the skin as you dry. There are no air particles flying around, and no extra bacteria being pushed into the air — just simple, effective hygiene.

Environmental Impact

Hand dryers are often seen as the eco-friendly choice because they use electricity, not trees. And modern low energy models are much more efficient than the old noisy ones we used to see in public toilets.

You might think paper towels are bad for the environment — and in some ways, you’d be right.

However...

Paper towels can absolutely be sustainable — especially when sourced from the right suppliers. Take North Shore for example: their hand towels are made from 100% recycled office paper waste collected from London businesses. Then there’s Katrin, who use FSC-certified fibres from responsibly managed forests.

What’s more, you only need to use one or two sheets if your dispensers are set up correctly. That means less waste, less mess, and a lower impact on the environment. It also avoids the issue of paper being flushed down the toilet — which can cause serious plumbing problems and unnecessary water waste.

So while old-school c-fold piles might not win any eco awards, modern hand towel systems with controlled dispensing and recycled content are a smart, green choice.

Cost Analysis

It’s easy to assume hand dryers are cheaper because they don’t need restocking. But there’s more to it than that.

If you’re using the right type of dispenser — one that limits how many sheets people pull — hand towels can be surprisingly cost-effective. With systems like North Shore’s or Katrin’s, each towel is dispensed individually, which cuts down on overuse and waste.

Hand dryers also need maintenance, regular servicing, and replacement over time. Plus, electricity costs are rising, so “low energy” doesn’t always mean low bills.

So when you factor in total cost of ownership, hand towels can absolutely hold their own — or even work out cheaper, especially in sites where you want to keep hygiene high and maintenance low.

User Preference

Some people love hand dryers, others hate them. Noise, drying time and hygiene worries can put people off.

Surveys show that most people prefer paper towels, mainly because they’re quick, familiar, and easy to use. You don’t have to wait around or figure out how to angle your hands under a weird sensor. Plus, there’s no shared surface contact, unlike dryers that everyone touches or stands over.

On the flip side, newer hand dryers are much faster, quieter, and more user-friendly. Plus, they reduce mess — no more soggy towels on the floor or blocked toilets because someone flushed them (yep, that happens!).

So... What Should You Choose?

If you’re running a business that cares about hygiene, sustainability and value for money — hand towels make a lot of sense.

They’re the most hygienic way to dry hands, they can be green when sourced properly, and they don’t have to cost the earth. Paired with the right dispenser, they’re a clean, simple, and responsible choice for modern washrooms.

Need Help Choosing the Right System?

We work with trusted brands like North Shore and Katrin to supply hand towel systems that are hygienic, cost-effective and sustainably sourced. Whether you need something high-capacity for a school or ultra-hygienic for a hospital, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Want to find out more? Get in touch with the Summit Hygiene team.