Every time I step into a public restroom, a wave of anxiety washes over me. While I wouldn’t call myself a total germaphobe, I am definitely cautious about the bacteria lurking in the stalls, on the wet countertops, and, oh dear, don’t even get me started on the filth undoubtedly accumulating on the floors! If I have my daughter with me, I may become a bit dramatic about ensuring she DOES NOT TOUCH ANYTHING with her bare hands. Honestly, if there were a HAZMAT suit designed specifically for public bathrooms, I’d probably wear it without hesitation.
To protect myself, I take several precautions: I use toilet seat covers or, if those aren’t available, I carefully lay down toilet paper. I flush toilets with my foot and yes, I’m the one who opens the stall door with a tissue. After washing my hands for the recommended 20 seconds—roughly the length of singing “Happy Birthday” twice—I use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and another to dry my hands. I prefer paper towels; they provide me with a clean, untouched piece of brown recycled paper, thanks to the automatic dispensers. Sure, it’s a little unsettling knowing trees were sacrificed for my hand-drying needs, but at least I can compost them.
Recently, though, I’ve noticed a decline in paper towels and an increase in those obnoxious jet air dryers. These sleek, silver devices, often adorned with orange accents and a futuristic blue light, activate automatically when you place your hands beneath them. They blow air up to 400 mph, which is meant to evaporate water quickly, but honestly, if you’re over 38, you might not want a squeegee effect on your skin.
I really dislike jet air dryers. Not only do they wreak havoc on my delicate skin, but they also terrify my noise-sensitive daughter, who immediately covers her ears when we approach one. Perhaps the most concerning aspect is their messiness. I often have to walk to the dryer with dripping hands, waiting for the person in front of me to finish. Once it’s my turn, I can’t help but notice the puddle of stagnant water at the base of the machine, remnants of who-knows-how-many other wet hands. And let’s not ignore the fine mist of water splattered against the walls or the pool accumulating on the floor beneath it. Gross!
Take a look at this unsettling image shared by a friend, Kelly Smith. She posted a photo of what she grew in a Petri dish after just a few days: “This is several strains of potential pathogenic fungi and bacteria that you’re inadvertently spreading on your hands while thinking you’re leaving with clean hands. You’re welcome.”
Not only are these hand dryers repulsive, but they might also pose health risks. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that jet air dryers release more viruses into the air compared to paper towels and warm air dryers. Participants washed their hands with a harmless virus and then dried them using one of the three methods. The jet air dryers dispersed the virus particles much further and higher than the other two methods. Fifteen minutes post-use, the air contained 50 times more virus than when a hot air dryer was used and 100 times more than when paper towels were utilized. Clearly, we should be reverting to paper towels.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that public restrooms will abandon jet air dryers for the classic paper towel. Electric dryers are cheaper to manufacture and operate than the costs associated with paper towels, both in terms of production and waste management. Plus, the reality is, germs are everywhere. In a study by the American Society of Microbiology, it was revealed that while many claim to wash their hands after using the restroom, the actual behavior tells a different story. Observations in various cities showed that 90% of women washed their hands, while only 75% of men did. That’s quite the discrepancy compared to the 97% of women and 96% of men who self-reported washing their hands.
So, do jet air dryers actually have the potential to make you sick? While nothing definitive has been proven, it’s wise to be cautious, especially during a particularly brutal cold and flu season. My solution? A personal toilet kit stocked with portable seat covers, extra tissues, and, of course, hand sanitizer. That is, until someone invents that HAZMAT suit!
For more tips on maintaining hygiene, check out our guide on assembling your own home insemination kit, which includes essentials for safer practices. Additionally, for those looking to boost fertility, consider visiting this resource for fertility supplements. If you’re interested in learning more about intrauterine insemination, check out this excellent resource from Johns Hopkins.
Summary:
Public restroom hand dryers are not just loud and inconvenient—they’re also unhygienic and potentially harmful. Studies show they release more germs into the air than paper towels or warm air dryers. While many people believe they wash their hands, actual observations reveal a different story. To stay safe, consider creating a personal hygiene kit for public restrooms and opt for paper towels whenever possible.
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