A number of scientific studies question the hygienic effectiveness of modern hand dryers, suggesting that they may negate the benefits of washing or even contribute to the spread of bacteria.
The key issue is that many people rub their palms together during the drying process. A 2010 study showed that this action brings additional bacteria from the pores to the surface of the skin, increasing their overall number.
Moreover, the dryers themselves, especially powerful jet models, can act as "microbial catapults." A 2015 study found that they aerosolize 190 times more viral particles than paper towels, spreading them up to three meters away and creating a persistent aerosol of pathogens in the room.
A comparative analysis of various drying methods led to a clear conclusion: in terms of hygiene, paper towels are the most preferred option, especially in sensitive places such as hospitals. Their mechanism of action is fundamentally different—they do not simply evaporate moisture, but physically remove microorganisms left on the skin after washing through friction, completing the cleaning process.
Thus, despite the apparent convenience and eco-friendliness, expressed in the reduction of paper waste, many models of electric dryers create a paradoxical situation: a device intended to maintain cleanliness can inadvertently increase the microbial load on the user's hands and contaminate the air in the restroom. This raises questions about returning to simpler and more effective solutions in places where hygiene is of paramount importance.
