Many people think that drying their hands with a hand dryer in a public restroom is hygienic, but it is actually more effective to use paper towels. Hand dryers can spread viruses and bacteria into the air, but paper towels prevent this. In addition, friction removes bacteria, making your hands cleaner. What is the right way to use a hand dryer?

Hand dryers, mistakenly thought to be hygienic

It is easy to see hand dryers installed in various buildings such as shopping malls, restaurants, and airports. It's easy to think that hand dryers are hygienic because they provide warm air and even UV rays. But in reality, this is not the case! Research shows that hands dried with a hand dryer had more viruses left on them than those dried with paper towels.

Strong wind from hand dryers disperses viruses

Drying your hands after washing is a very important process, but hand dryers can disperse moisture and virus particles from your hands into the air with strong wind. This can put you at risk of inhaling viruses that are spread through the air. Now I'm scared to go into a bathroom with a hand dryer.

Paper towels are the most hygienic method

The most hygienic way to dry your hands is to use paper towels instead of a hand dryer. Paper towels do not disperse virus particles into the air, but trap them within the towel. In addition, friction occurs during the wiping process, removing bacteria and making your hands cleaner.

Of course, some viruses may remain on the surface of the towel, but the number is significantly lower compared to hand dryers. Used towels should be crumpled and discarded to protect against virus exposure.

UV sterilization dryers are a concern for skin inflammation

Recently, UV sterilization dryers have been installed in more and more public restrooms. However, the World Health Organization does not recommend UV sterilization, saying it can cause skin inflammation. Since the skin is already sterilized by soap, there is no need for separate UV sterilization. It is recommended to avoid using it for the sake of your skin.

Precautions when using a hand dryer

If you have to use a hand dryer, there are some things you can do to make sure you are using it properly. First, expose your entire hand to the air so that the wind reaches all surfaces evenly. Second, make sure that your hands are completely dry. Finally, rub your hands together as they dry. I'll just go out with wet hands.

Hand washing basics, the right 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, rub thoroughly for at least 30 seconds, and dry them.

It is important to remove all moisture.

Washing your hands only with water without soap or quickly washing only part of your hands if you are short on time may not remove bacteria properly, so it is important to lather up and scrub thoroughly.

The bacterial risk of public restroom soap?

The soap in public restrooms... many people think it's unsanitary because it's touched by many people's hands. Then, can bacteria grow on the soap itself? Yes, it can. But if you wash your hands properly for 30 seconds or more, bacteria on the soap will not be transferred. So it's okay to use soap as long as you do that.

Soap has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Most bacteria are hydrophobic, so they have the effect of removing bacteria along with grease. The risk of exposure to soap bacteria is very low if you lather thoroughly and scrub carefully.

Hydrophilic

A property that shows affinity for water. Hydrophilic means that it likes water molecules, and it tends to be hydrophilic if it has polar atoms. The opposite is hydrophobic.

Hydrophobic

The opposite of hydrophilic, it refers to a property that is not friendly to water, or that does not accept water and floats. In other words, it refers to the property of not combining with water and repelling water.

Hand dryers in public restrooms may seem hygienic and convenient, but they actually pose a risk of spreading viruses. Don't forget that paper towels and proper hand washing are most important.