Paper Towel vs Electric Hand Dryers

The debate between paper towels and electric hand dryers has been ongoing for years. Environmentalists argue in favor of dryers, while germaphobes tend to prefer paper towels. However, it's not just these groups who have an opinion; some individuals simply prefer one option over the other.

Paper towels and hand dryers are both commonly used for drying hands after washing. Both have their advantages and disadvantages;

Advantages:

• Paper towels have the advantage of being disposable, which means that they can be used once and then thrown away, reducing the risk of spreading germs.
• They are also absorbent and can quickly and effectively dry hands. Hand dryers, on the other hand, are more environmentally friendly than paper towels, as they do not generate any appreciable waste.
• They also offer an element of convenience as they can be used repeatedly without needing to be serviced often.  

Disadvantages:

• Paper towels generate waste once used and when used in commercial settings they are typically bound for landfills even though they could be composted.
• Hand dryers are typically noisy and may not be as effective at drying hands as paper towels.
• Some are positively anemic in terms of the amount of air they blow and they don’t even generate enough heat for that to help in the drying process.
• Add to this there is no friction other than wet hands rubbing together to enhance the drying process and to help take any bacteria and left-over residue off of your hands (again no friction).
• Additionally, some studies have suggested that hand dryers can actually spread germs, rather than reducing the risk of infection.
• The internal filters are rarely if ever changed which also helps with the spread of germs.

In general, both paper towels and hand dryers can be effective for drying hands, but it will always come down to a preference for the user themselves.

Paper Types: Kraft paper towels (for example) are typically made from recycled paper scraps, like office paper that has been shredded and de-inked. It is then made back into a pulp and remade into the Kraft paper we know to use to wipe our hands with. It is known to have good strength and durability characteristics, making it a good material for paper towels.

Kraft paper towels are typically brown in color and have a rough, textured surface, which helps to make them more absorbent and effective at cleaning up spills and messes.

The White version of these towels are simply put through a bleaching process to go from brown to white. They are both biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers.

In conclusion, now that you're armed with more knowledge about the differences between paper towels and electric hand dryers, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision the next time you're faced with this choice.