When we go to the washroom in a restaurant, theatre or club, it is a toss up what method that establishment offers us to dry our hands. Here we explain why they have chosen these methods, plus which are the most hygienic:

Paper towels

Paper towels are the most hygienic method as you will be the only person who has touched those paper towels. However, it is the most expensive option for the venue as no-one takes only one sheet (most people take 4 or 5). Furthermore, if the dispenser is not filled regularly, paper towels can run out.

Hand dryers

Hand dryers are the second most hygienic option, as your hands are not touching anything whilst drying, however, ask most men and they complete the process by wiping the final drops on their trousers (because they can’t wait for the extended time to dry their hands).

Roller towels

Roller towels are now outdated as the units are big and cumbersome, the towels never look great and require a member of staff to keep changing them. They are also not a particularly hygienic way of cleaning hands as you’re touching the area of the towel a person before you has already used.

Cotton towels

Cotton towels initially look and feel the best (softest) but after a short while you are drying your hands where many others have done so. Furthermore, they create an enormous laundry bill for the provider.

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For our clients, be it golf clubs, hotels, restaurants, offices or schools, Calabash recommend only the top two (paper towels and hand dryers). The option then for them is that paper towels (as we said) are the most hygienic. However, they are the most expensive option, plus the need for storage to keep all the spare boxes and for staff to keep replenishing the dispensers.

Therefore hand dryers are the most popular method currently. They can be sleek and good looking (complementing a stylish washroom). Plus they do not require an unsightly bin to collect the paper towels, just a small amount of electricity.