Question of The Day- Restroom Preference: Hand Dryer Machines or Paper Towels?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (37621)
April 8, 2018 11:51am CST
I have use both in public restrooms. Sometimes both options are available to use and I choose whichever is available. However, if I had my preference I would go with the hand dryer. I find them more effective in drying my hands and usually I need more than one sheet of paper towel to dry off my hands.
How about you? What's your preference and reasoning for your choice?
Photo- thehealthorange.com
13 people like this
15 responses
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
8 Apr 18
There is a study out about how millions of germs, including H1N1 flu virus, was in those hand dryers. I will use paper any day or simply shake my hands dry.
4 people like this
@lookatdesktop (27156)
• Dallas, Texas
8 Apr 18
I don't mind admitting that if I don't find a paper towel dispenser full but rather, completely empty of towels, I dry my hands quickly on the leg of my blue jeans. LOL
5 people like this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
Yes, I have issues whether it really is more hygienic? Good point Andria.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (502886)
• Italy
11 Apr 18
@dgobucks226 Using the machine only you cannot fully dry your hands.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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12 Apr 18
@LadyDuck Yes true. I worry they may begin to replace the paper towels with only hand drying machines. A way for establishments to have less trash to clean up.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
More hygienic with the towels. Towels do not waste electricity
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382659)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 Apr 18
@dgobucks226 Flipping hands just uses a bit of human energy. 
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
The dryers do generate a lot of air pressure. Issues seem to center on environmental efficiency. Less paper and trees used vs electrical waste?
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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11 Apr 18
@JudyEv I usually will do a shake. Especially, when the paper towel dispenser is empty, lol. But I like that flip idea. Neat way to describe it 
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
25 Apr 18
@dgobucks226
DB, I like paper towels. It seems like they are always available.
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@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
25 Apr 18
@dgobucks226
I have been in bathrooms with both.
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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26 Apr 18
@Hannihar It's good to have both. Sometimes you are just in need of a paper towel too.
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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25 Apr 18
Most places here have them too. Many offer both.
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
The new dryers are much quicker, but yes, the old-fashioned kind take forever to dry your hands or so it seems to me.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (190074)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Apr 18
The towel machines gather bacteria. I'd rather use paper towels.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
Yes, I have heard that. I guess the hand dryers may be cost efficient and a way to control paper trash?
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
10 Apr 18
@dgobucks226 I meant that you might need a towel for some other purpose. You spilled something or need to wipe your face or something.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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12 Apr 18
@akalinus I see. Yes, you make a good point there Jo Ann 
1 person likes this
@lookatdesktop (27156)
• Dallas, Texas
8 Apr 18
The hand dryer in that pic reminds me of the new ones in a local Target. They are powerful indeed. But I often prefer paper towels. That way I can grab a few extra to take to wipe if I get something sticky on my hands handling the items in the store like produce, dairy and keep an extra one if I need it when I can't get a napkin at Micky D's in the Walmart with my burger.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
A very practical approach. Always good to have one handy in an emergency.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
9 Apr 18
Oh that's interesting choice. I far prefer the paper towels. I find they dry better than most hand dryers. And I can open the bathroom door with them. I don't mind the "blade" style hand dryers though, as pictured. Those work real well, real quick. But then one must deal with the door
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
11 Apr 18
@dgobucks226 Handy... towel.... you are in top form. lol
I've always wondered which turns out better environmentally - saving trees with hand dryer, or saving electricity by using towel
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
11 Apr 18
@dgobucks226 Ah, I wondered as much. Can't win for winning....
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
One pro for the hand dryer is environmental as it saves trees. But I agree it is annoying that you still have to touch the germs on the door handle after washing. Grabbing an extra towel comes in handy, pardon the pun.
1 person likes this
@anikoonline (3250)
• Hungary
9 Apr 18
Personally I prefer the paper, but I have no reason why I don't like hand dryer machines.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
There are pros and cons to each. Less trash with the dyers. More hygienic with the towels. I notice restrooms which give you a choice.
1 person likes this
@anikoonline (3250)
• Hungary
10 Apr 18
@dgobucks226 Yes, the best option is when we have a choice.
1 person likes this
@porwest (112928)
• United States
8 Apr 18
I suppose for me it does not matter one way or the other. Although sometimes I do loathe the fact that some of those air dryers sound like a plane taking off. Other than...so long as my hands are dry in the end I suppose it really doesn't matter.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
The dryers can be quite loud. I use whatever is available myself. There are arguments on both sides as to which might be better.
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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11 Apr 18
@porwest That is a good point Jim. You do have to touch the handle which dispenses the towels. I think I just might carry around a small bottle of liquid hand sanitizer in my pocket from now on..
1 person likes this
@porwest (112928)
• United States
10 Apr 18
@dgobucks226 I saw one comment about germs in these things. I found that surprising considering you'd think there'd be more germs on the levers and wherever else on the paper towels. But I am not an expert, :)
1 person likes this
@mlgen1037 (29882)
• Manila, Philippines
8 Apr 18
I would go for paper towers because it is easier to get by just pulling it out, while the hand-dryer machines sometimes do not function well and I do not want to keep my hands on the air.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
Yes, I hate it when the hand dryer shuts off to soon in the middle of the dying process. Paper towels create more trash but are more sanitary.
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
8 Apr 18
I prefer paper towels. Besides you need one to open the door as the handle is the most contaminated thing there is.
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@dgobucks226 (37621)
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10 Apr 18
Yes, all that effort to remove germs and now you face a contaminated door handle.
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