Public Restroom Hand Dryer Hygiene? Proper Handwashing

Many people believe that using hand dryers in public restrooms is hygienic, but in reality, paper towels are more effective. Hand dryers can spread viruses and bacteria into the air, while paper towels prevent this. Furthermore, friction helps remove bacteria, resulting in cleaner hands. What is the correct way to use a hand dryer?

Hand Dryers: A Misconception of Hygiene

It's easy to find hand dryers installed in various buildings such as shopping malls, restaurants, and airports. Seeing hand dryers that emit warm air and even UV light, one might naturally assume they are hygienic. However, the truth is quite different! Studies have shown that hands dried with hand dryers contain more viruses than those dried with paper towels.

Hand Dryer's Strong Wind: Virus Dispersion

Drying your hands after washing is a crucial step, but hand dryers can disperse water droplets and virus particles into the air with their strong wind. These airborne viruses pose a risk of entering the respiratory systems of others. Now, restrooms with hand dryers seem a bit frightening.

Paper Towels: The Most Hygienic Method

Using paper towels to dry your hands instead of hand dryers is the most hygienic method. Paper towels prevent virus particles from dispersing into the air, trapping them within the towel. Additionally, the friction during wiping helps remove bacteria, making hands cleaner.

While some viruses may remain on the paper towel surface, their number is significantly lower compared to hand dryers. To protect yourself from virus exposure, it's important to crumple up the used towel properly before discarding it.

UV Sterilizing Dryers: Potential for Skin Inflammation

Recently, there has been an increase in the installation of UV sterilizing dryers in public restrooms. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend UV sterilization as it can cause skin inflammation. Since hands are already sanitized with soap, there's no need for additional UV sterilization. For the sake of your skin, it's best to avoid using them.

Precautions When Using Hand Dryers

If you must use a hand dryer, there's a proper way to do it. First, fully expose your hands to ensure the air reaches all surfaces. Allow sufficient time for complete drying, and gently rub your hands during the drying process. I'd rather just leave with wet hands.

The Basics of Handwashing: The Correct Way to Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect yourself from viruses and bacteria. Wet your hands with water, apply soap, and rub them thoroughly for at least 30 seconds before drying.

It's crucial to completely remove all moisture.

Washing only with water without soap or rushing through the process and only washing part of your hands can fail to remove bacteria effectively. Therefore, it's important to lather up sufficiently and clean thoroughly.

The Risk of Bacteria in Public Restroom Soap?

The soap dispensers in public restrooms... many people think they are unhygienic due to multiple people using them. Can bacteria grow on the soap itself? Yes, they can. However, if you wash your hands properly for 30 seconds or more, the bacteria on the soap won't transfer. As long as you do that, using soap is fine.

Soap possesses both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Most bacteria are hydrophobic and are effectively removed along with grease and dirt. The risk of exposure to soap bacteria is very low if you lather up well and scrub thoroughly.

<b>Hydrophilic</b>

A property that exhibits affinity for water. Hydrophilic means it likes water molecules, and it occurs when polar atoms are present. The opposite is hydrophobic.

<b>Hydrophobic</b>

The opposite of hydrophilic, it refers to the property of not being friendly with water or repelling water. In other words, it refers to the property of not mixing with water and repelling it.

While hand dryers in public restrooms may seem hygienic and convenient, they actually pose a risk of virus dispersion. It's important to remember that paper towels and proper handwashing are paramount.