Paper Towels Best Method to Dry Hands Finds Mayo Clinic Study | Tork BBC

Posted on in Healthcare by Dr. Allison Aiello
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Paper towels? Hand dryers? Ever wonder which hand drying method truly works best?

According to a new study released by the Mayo Clinic, drying hands with a paper towel is more effective when compared with cloth towels and electric air dryers (i.e. hot air dryers and jet air dryers). The research, conducted last year and published June 1, reviewed 12 studies on the hygienic efficacy of different hand drying methods. This included drying efficiency, the removal of bacteria and the prevention of cross-contamination.

The study concluded that paper towels:

  • Work better than electric air dryers for hygiene purposes;
  • Remove bacteria more effectively;
  • Cause less contamination in the restroom area;
  • Should be the recommended hand-drying method in healthcare settings.

The study also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean environment around paper towels in order to achieve the best results possible. According to the study, “The risk of potential contamination among dispenser exits, paper towels, and hands should be considered in the design, construction, and the use of paper towel dispensers.”

To see the full study, please visit: http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(12)00393-X/fulltext

 

About Dr. Allison Aiello

Dr. Allison Aiello is an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan. She has taught courses on social and life determinants of infectious diseases, antibacterial soap use and antimicrobial resistance, and the link between infections and chronic disease. Dr. Aiello believes hand hygiene is a key component of good hygiene practice in the home and community, and can produce significant benefits in terms of reducing the incidence of infection.

  • Sharon RN

    They are really grasping for news these days. This has been a known fact for years air dry or paper dry are the most hygienic, even when washing dishes. Then again it is easier to print this kind of dribble than telling the public the truth about drug companies, insurance companies, healthcare in general and how they are all in Washington’s pockets. We are being lied to by the very people who we elected to serve us!

    • http://www.facebook.com/gregy.ham Gregy Ham

      dribble? It’s drivel.

  • bill

    Someone should tell Mickey “D” this. This fast food chain only offers air dryers. Unsanitary to say the least.

    • scott

      Yes, but it saves them money, and that’s all that matters.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_P7QJL2HOVYQDHNRABFXECQLCFE Dan

      Even less hygienic are the folks who use neither towel nor air dryer.
      I’ve seen too many people walk out of a restroom without washing their hands.

    • Guest

      When that happens I use toilet paper. I never want to touch a door handle after washing my hands.

  • http://www.facebook.com/greg.peterson.9421 Greg Peterson

    Place an agar plate under the blow dryer and see what develops from a recirculating fan in a latrine. Hmmm.

  • corner pocket

    The best is when they place trash can right below air dryer so airflow sends bacteria around your hands

    • http://www.candleforex.com/ CandleForex

      You do have a point. Never thought about that!

  • Hollerith

    Let’s have toilet doors that open outward so I don’t have to touch the door after washing my hands.

  • http://www.candleforex.com/ CandleForex

    But wouldn’t this increase waste paper, which costs more trees to be felled?

    • hazmat

      more felled trees or healthier people?

  • http://www.facebook.com/mitchel.eisenstein Mitchel Eisenstein

    what about when you wipe your butt, and then you use your filthy hands to pull up your underwear, your pants, tuck in your shirt and tighten your belt? I mean by the time you get done with your business to wash your hands, your body is literally covered in feces, but your hands are clean.

    • Leon Riggs

      Clinically speaking, your posterior is one of the ‘cleanest’ places on your body – unless you have just shit on your hands in which case germ-covered body is a long ways down the list of your problems.

  • Buttwipe

    Mayo Clinic is nuts. God I hope that this study wasnt funded by our dumbass government/

    • Dookie Queen 69-420

      Ya it would be a shame if the government were to research ways to prevent the public from getting sick. We should just let corporations do it. They have my best interest at heart!

  • pwc

    It appears that only non compus people haunt this site.

  • joann french

    I no longer use paper towels for everything in the world. I decided to go green and purchased about 40 cheap washcloths at the local Family Dollar Store, placed them in a cute little basket by the sink, and then used a small wicker basket to dispose of them. Use one, toss it into the basket, and viola, no cross contamination, hands are dried with clean sanitary cloth, and I can wash about 100 wash cloths in one load for practically nothing. (I use bleach to ensure they are decontaminated.) I also have the same situation in the kitchen, we no longer use 10 rolls of paper towels a month. Maybe one in two or three months. Saves money and germs.

  • gk_2000

    Ok Hand dryer companies, did you miss a payment to these institutions? Better pay up a buck here than lose 4 in the market

  • The Truth

    I hate those air dryers. They stir up all the dust and pathogens in the bathroom and make them airborne for everyone to breathe. Plus they are so loud they are deafening. I leave the minute someone turns them on. They are disgusting. How were so many companies deceived about the safety of these demons? I give a thumbs down to companies that install them.