The first-time paper hand towels were commercially made was in 1879, the same year Thomas Edison invented the light bulb! Since then, they have become the number one choice for hand drying and have been developed with lots of design features including: fold types, embossments, colours and plies. All of these different specifications leave customers wondering, which is best for them and their needs, so we have broken it all down for you and we have looked into why hand towels are the number one choice for hand drying by experts.
Disposable paper hand towels have long been recognised as the most hygienic hand drying method vs jet air/electronic hand dryers or reusable towels, both of which spread washroom bacteria that can then be picked up by other washroom users.
Within the NHS ‘Hand Washing Guide’ is states to, ‘Dry hands thoroughly with a disposable towel, before using the towel to turn off the tap after washing, to prevent someone touching germs again after cleaning’ and health experts say ‘Paper towels are the best option in order to prevent the spread of germs’.
The UK government recommend single use paper towels in their guide ‘Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing to make your workplace COVID-secure’ and the World Health Organisation also recommend the use of single use towels in their hand washing guide:
Governing bodies and experts recommend hand towels because they are the most hygienic hand drying method, and it is proven by many studies including ones done by the University of Westminster and University of Leeds, both of which can be found online.
There are several other benefits to single use paper :-
- Hand towel dispensers can be placed anywhere. Power is not needed for dispensers to work, making them more versatile than electric driers.
- Alternative hand drying methods are sometimes sold as having ‘Low running costs’ but this often doesn’t account for leasing agreements or installation
- Hand towel dispensers offer contactless dispensing – users only touch the paper that they will use, helping to stop the spread of bacteria
- Drying hands with single use paper towels is efficient & quick, making them perfect for high footfall washrooms. They are dispensed silently so there is no noise pollution.

The first-time paper hand towels were commercially made was in 1879, the same year Thomas Edison invented the light bulb! Since then, they have become the number one choice for hand drying and have been developed with lots of design features including: fold types, embossments, colours and plies. All of these different specifications leave customers wondering, which is best for them and their needs, so we have broken it all down for you and we have looked into why hand towels are the number one choice for hand drying by experts.
Disposable paper hand towels have long been recognised as the most hygienic hand drying method vs jet air/electronic hand dryers or reusable towels, both of which spread washroom bacteria that can then be picked up by other washroom users.
Within the NHS ‘Hand Washing Guide’ is stated to, ‘Dry hands thoroughly with a disposable towel, before using the towel to turn off the tap after washing, to prevent someone touching germs again after cleaning’ and health experts say ‘Paper towels are the best option in order to prevent the spread of germs’.
The UK government recommend single-use paper towels in their guide ‘Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing to make your workplace COVID-secure’ and the World Health Organisation also recommend the use of single-use towels in their handwashing guide:
Governing bodies and experts recommend hand towels because they are the most hygienic hand drying method, and it is proven by many studies including ones done by the University of Westminster and University of Leeds, both of which can be found online.
There are several other benefits to single use paper :-
- Hand towel dispensers can be placed anywhere. Power is not needed for dispensers to work, making them more versatile than electric driers.
- Alternative hand drying methods are sometimes sold as having ‘Low running costs’ but this often doesn’t account for leasing agreements or installation
- Hand towel dispensers offer contactless dispensing – users only touch the paper that they will use, helping to stop the spread of bacteria
- Drying hands with single-use paper towels are efficient & quick, making them perfect for high footfall washrooms. They are dispensed silently so there is no noise pollution.

Disclaimer: The information provided through Greenham Pulse is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Greenham Pulse is not a substitute for Health and Safety consultancy. You should seek independent advice about any legal matter.