Are you used to washing your hands properly, but not really drying them? This is a mistake! Drying your hands is a crucial step, which is an integral part of their hygiene. But what should you use to dry your hands every day? We asked the question to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
Paper towels, the undisputed champion of hygiene
According to Dr. Kierzek, single-use paper remains the safest solution for health. Its effectiveness is not only based on the absorption of water, but on a precise mechanical gesture. “Single-use paper towels remain the most hygienic method of drying hands, thanks to friction which effectively eliminates residual bacteria after washing.” he explains.
In addition to this physical action, single use ensures that you don’t pick up germs from a previous user. It is the number one ally for stopping viral and bacterial transmissions within the home.
The kitchen towel, an underestimated nest of microbes
If the tea towel is appreciated for its ecological side and its softness, it represents a real health risk if it is not maintained with absolute rigor. The stagnant humidity makes it an ideal growing ground. “Tea towels are unhygienic: they quickly accumulate fecal bacteria, streptococci and mold. In a humid environment like the kitchen, we observe a massive multiplication of germs in just 24 hours.”
To limit the risks, the doctor is categorical. “At home, change them every two to three days, or immediately after intensive use, and wash them at a minimum of 60°C.
Electric hand dryers: be careful of splashes
In public places, hot or forced air hand dryers are omnipresent. Although they are economical and generate no paper waste, their hygienic results are nevertheless catastrophic according to the studies cited by Dr. Kierzek. “Hot or forced air hand dryers project fecal bacteria and viruses into the air, sometimes up to 60 meters away. They spread 27 times more microbes than paper“.
This drying method transforms toilets into a veritable aerosol of contaminated particles, which represents a major disadvantage in terms of public health.
Arbitrate between hygiene, ecology and comfort
The choice of drying method is often a compromise between health safety and environmental impact. Dr. Kierzek summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of each option as follows:
- The paper towel: It’s a great solution that “reduces remaining bacteria by 77%.” If its impact on forests is questionable, we can limit the damage by choosing FSC certified or recycled products;
- The tea towel: Economical and gentle, it nevertheless requires strict washing logistics to avoid becoming dangerous;
- The hand dryer: Zero waste, but it fails in terms of airborne contamination.
In short, for impeccable hygiene, choose paper towels, especially during times of epidemic. If you stick with the cloth, treat it like a medical device: change it very often and make no concessions on the washing temperature.