Failing to dry one’s hands after a trip to the toilet can actually be more harmful than not washing them at all, according to Swansea University microbiologist Dr. David Webber.

Dr Webber has been working with hand dryer manufacturer Airdri – one of our eHA members – to come up with a list of hand-drying “dos and don’ts”. He says thoroughly drying the hands is the best option, but advises against the use of loo roll since this has the potential to leave fragments of contaminated toilet paper on the hands.

“The pandemic has focused attention on the correct way to wash our hands with published guidance from WHO, the CDC, and NHS,” he said. “However, there has been no such guidance on the correct procedures to dry hands which is equally important. In fact, not drying the hands properly could be less hygienic than not washing them at all.”

But avoiding drying the hands altogether is the worst method, he adds, since this allows wet hands to transfer viruses and bacteria on to any surfaces with which they have contact.

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