Are hand dryers hygienic?

Question

You know in public bathrooms how there are hand dryers? Well my Dad says they're terrible because they blow germs onto your wet hands, and of course bacteria and things cling to wet surfaces.

However, I read on one particular hand dryer that hand drying is the most hygienic way of drying one's hands! The hot air would presumably kill germs, so it's neat and dry etc.

I'm not sure which to believe. Are hand dryers hygienic?

Answer 1

There's a bit of debate on that one. In theory because you arent touching anything then it is supposed to be hygenic but there have been studies done that have found that bacteria actually grow in the dryers because it's a moist warm environment and hence go back onto your cleaned hands. The most hygenic for drying your hands are actually the disposable towels as long as you pat your hands dry rather than rubbing them (it's more effective and less damaging to the skin especially with the harsh paper ones that are around). Whichever way you dry your hands, you're likely to get them dirty again just my opening the door to get out of the bathroom anyway!!

Answer 2

Your Dad is right!!!! In the health field that is one of the first things we learn is hand washing. The best is non-antibactial soap. Scrub for 20 seconds and use a paper towel to dry and then use the towel to turn off the tap hold towel in hand and open the public door with towel and toss towel into garbage.
Blowers in the bathroom do spread germs because they are not using fresh air but recycled air full of bacteria.
Give your dad 10 points he is right.

Answer 3

Your dad is probably right, as the heat must be 60 degrees c for a large amout of time to kill bacteria, but its probably one of the most hygeneic ways to dry your hands.

But in reality, no matter how you dry your hands, as soon as you touch the door to leave your touching the germs from other people, some of which dont wash their hands.

Door handles are the biggest germ carriers in the bathroom.

Answer 4

It doesn't really make a big difference to me whether I have to use paper towels or hand dryers as long as they get the job done. Although you are right that many times they don't work properly which could be a bit annoying. Last of all, stop being Dr. House brother. Just relax and I swear you'll not die, lol.

Answer 5

I don't think the air is hot enough to kill germs, but I've never heard anyone say they are blowing germs at you, I think they're fine. I personally always wash my hands before leaving a public restroom and use Purell hand sanitizer as soon as I exit (I keep a purse-size bottle).

Answer 6

No, they are not hygenic because they use the bacteria- filled bathroom air in that type of dryers.When you flush the toilet, millions of tinnnny droplets go up in the air and they are always floating around. Since paper towels can get just as much bacteria on them, try Purell- pocket sized hand sanitizer to do the job. It works just as good as soap and water.

Answer 7

I was told that they did a study in the UK and it said that even the towels on a roll are more hygienic then the hand driers. Hand driers do not heat up high enough or long enough to kill anything

Answer 8

thats ridicolous how can hand dryers blow germs on ur hands when heat killsand reduces germs

Answer 9

yes they are since you are not rubbing anything on your hands

Answer 10

I would think they are. They have filters in them; and they aren't wasting paper.