Hand dryers are an essential fixture in public restrooms, offering an alternative to traditional drying methods. While these devices are designed to be easy to use, not everyone knows the right way to use a hand dryer for maximising their hygiene and efficiency.

Understanding the correct way to use a hand dryer is important not only for ensuring your hands are properly dried but also for promoting a cleaner, healthier restroom environment. We’ll explore the steps you should take to use a hand dryer effectively, from washing your hands to the proper maintenance practices that keep these devices functioning at their best.

The effectiveness of any hand dryer begins with how well you wash your hands. Proper hand hygiene is the foundation of preventing the spread of germs. According to NHS England you should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Focus on scrubbing all parts of your hands, including the backs, between your fingers, and under your nails. It’s essential to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap, as any residue left on your hands can affect how well they dry.

Once you’ve washed your hands, don’t head straight to the hand dryer. Take a few seconds to shake off excess water from your hands over the sink. This simple action can make a significant difference in the drying process. By reducing the amount of water on your hands, you help the hand dryer work more efficiently, leading to faster drying times and less energy consumption. Shaking off excess water also minimizes the amount of water that could drip onto the floor, helping to keep the restroom cleaner and safer.

Correct hand placement is crucial when using a hand dryer. Most modern hand dryers are equipped with sensors that activate the airflow as soon as your hands are positioned correctly. Place your hands directly under or in front of the dryer’s nozzle, ensuring they are centred within the airflow. Proper positioning allows the air to evenly distribute across your hands, promoting quicker and more thorough drying. For dryers with adjustable nozzles, take a moment to direct the airflow toward your hands to maximize efficiency.

As the air begins to dry your hands, it’s important to move them slowly within the stream. Rapid hand movements can cause water droplets to be pushed around rather than evaporated, leading to uneven drying. Instead, gently rotate or move your hands back and forth, allowing the air to reach all areas, including between your fingers and around your nails. Depending on the power of the hand dryer and the amount of water on your hands, this process typically takes about 10-15 seconds with modern, high-speed dryers. Slower movements can reduce the time needed to fully dry your hands, making the process more efficient.

Although it’s tempting to press buttons or stabilise yourself by touching the dryer, it’s best to avoid contact with the machine. Public restrooms are high-traffic areas, and the surfaces of hand dryers can harbour bacteria and viruses from numerous users. Every Tekflo hand dryer is designed to be touch-free, operating via sensors, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. If you need to adjust your position or the angle of the airflow of a hand dryer, try to do so without making direct contact with the dryer.

Hand dryers aren’t just about drying hands. They also play a crucial role in maintaining restroom hygiene. By following the steps above — shaking off excess water, positioning your hands correctly, and moving them slowly—you can ensure that your hands are dried thoroughly, which is key to preventing the spread of germs. Additionally, using the dryer efficiently helps conserve energy, which is beneficial both for the environment and for facility management in terms of operating costs.

Modern hand dryers, particularly those designed with high-speed, low-energy technology, are engineered to be both efficient and environmentally friendly. When the dryers are used correctly, your business can contribute to a more sustainable restroom environment. Efficient hand dryer use means less energy is required per drying cycle, which, over time, can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption across multiple restrooms in high-traffic areas.

For those responsible for maintaining public restrooms, regular cleaning and servicing of hand dryers are crucial. A well-maintained hand dryer operates more efficiently and hygienically. Filters should be cleaned or replaced as needed, and the exterior of the dryer should be wiped down regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and germs. Proper maintenance ensures that hand dryers remain in good working condition, providing users with reliable and effective performance every time.

Hand dryers should also be checked periodically to ensure they are functioning at full capacity. This includes verifying that the sensors are responsive, the airflow is strong, and the unit is securely mounted. If any issues are detected, they should be addressed promptly to prevent downtime and ensure that users always have access to a working dryer.

Public awareness of the correct way to use hand dryers can make a significant difference in their effectiveness. Simple signage near hand dryers can remind users to shake off excess water, position their hands correctly, and move them slowly through the air stream. These reminders help ensure that everyone uses the dryer in the most effective way possible, which in turn keeps the restroom environment cleaner and more hygienic.