Regarding public restrooms, we've all been taught the importance of washing our hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of germs. But what happens after we've scrubbed and rinsed? Many of us head straight for the hand dryer, assuming it's the most hygienic and environmentally friendly way to finish the job. However, recent findings suggest you rethink that choice and reach for paper towels instead.

A scientist known as Devon Science on TikTok has conducted an experiment that reveals a rather stomach-churning truth about the hand dryers we often use without a second thought. The video, which has garnered a staggering 4.7 million views, shows the scientist placing a petri dish under a hand dryer in a public restroom to collect the bacteria expelled by the machine. The results were nothing short of alarming.

A scientist on social media exposed high levels of bacteria and fungus ejected from hand dryers in public restrooms. Credit: Devon Science / TikTok

After leaving the collected samples to incubate overnight, the petri dish was exposed to the hand dryer and teemed with various bacteria and fungus, visible as white, yellow, and black smudges. In stark contrast, a control dish waved through the air—simulating the action of shaking hands dry—remained completely clear. This visual evidence is enough to make anyone's skin crawl and question the cleanliness of these devices.

But the experiment continued. Devon Science also tested a piece of toilet paper she had used to dry her hands, pressing it onto a petri dish. While bacteria did grow from this sample, it was significantly less than what was found in the hand-dryer dish. The most telling part of the experiment, however, was when she swabbed the inside vent of the hand dryer. The cotton bud emerged black with grime, and the corresponding petri dish was filled with various bacteria similar to those found in the initial hand-dryer sample.

This revelation is particularly concerning when considering the types of bacteria that can be found in public restrooms. Studies have shown that E. coli, hepatitis, and other fecal bacteria are commonly present in these environments. Hand dryers, which are designed to blow air rapidly to dry hands, maybe sucking in this contaminated air and spraying it directly onto our freshly washed hands.

A 2018 study by researchers at the University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University supports this notion. They found that hot-air hand dryers in public restrooms could pull in bacteria from the air and deposit them onto clean hands. When they equipped the dryers with HEPA filters, which are designed to capture bacteria and other pollutants, the number of bacteria collected in the Petri dishes decreased by 75 per cent. This suggests that a significant portion of the bacteria being dispersed by hand dryers originates from the restroom air.

So, what should you do the next time you're in a public restroom? Based on these findings, it seems the safer option is to skip the hand dryer altogether. Opt for paper towels when available, or if you're in a pinch, shake your hands dry and use your elbow to open the door as you leave. It's also worth advocating for better maintenance and cleaning of hand dryer units and the installation of HEPA filters to minimise the spread of bacteria.

Key Takeaways

• A scientist on social media exposed high levels of bacteria and fungus ejected from hand dryers in public restrooms.
• The experiment demonstrated that hand-dryer bacteria are substantially more abundant than bacteria from the air in a laboratory or from shaking hands dry.
• One petri dish exposed to the inside vent of a hand dryer contained a dense variety of bacteria, indicating that the microbes were living inside the machine.
• Previous research suggests that hand dryers can spread bacteria such as E. coli and other faecal bacteria onto cleaned hands, and fitting hand dryers with HEPA filters could reduce this bacteria transmission by 75 per cent.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that staying healthy is paramount, especially as we age and our immune systems may not be as robust as they once were. We encourage our members to share this information with friends and family to help protect our community's health. Have you had a similar experience with public hand dryers, or do you have other tips for staying germ-free in public spaces? Join the conversation in the comments below, and let's help each other stay informed and healthy!

 

[GrannyJA!]

On the very rare occasion that I use a public restroom, I carry flushable toilet seat covers, detol sanitiser spray ( for surfaces and skin) and touch as little as possible. The spray goes on the seat before the disposable cover, it goes on my hands after washing and again after touching anything, including the soap dispenser. It's a small pressure pack spray (about the size of an impulse spray) and sells for between $4.50 and $6.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I use the paper towel option otherwise let my hands dry by themselves.

The only time I used a hand dryer was to try and dry my top

 

[Colette 3799]

If the option for a paper towel is there I will always choose that. The dryers don’t do a good job anyway most of the time, the one at the Gym is the worst one ever and no paper towel option. A little side story - my friend in the UK used one of those Dyson ones where you dangle your hands in. After visiting a few different venues she noticed her rings were missing. It turned out they all fell off her fingers in the dryer. Luckily after ringing everywhere she had been an honest person had found them and she got them back.

 

[Barbara V]

Never use the hand drier I carry paper napkins in my bag and if in a fast food outlet use the serviets

 

[margaretritchie48]

Never use the hand dryer as stated by others if a towel option will use those. Also carry napkins in my bag.

 

[ornithorhynchus]

i use the paper towel to exit the rest room or toilets as we say in Australia.Most of the main exits require you to pull the door towards you hense the use of a paper towel yo grab the handle to exit the area after you clean your hands and dry them with a fresh paper towel

 

[freedy50]

One person on tik tok decides to make some scare story.

If they were so allegedly bad then they would have been banned ages ago and people would have read about it many times.
If these are in any public toilets I go in then I use them. Got no reason not to.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

I can’t stand the noise from these dryers so I don’t use them. And yes it’s awkward getting out of the bathroom with your elbows. I’m paranoid about using the door handle with all the germs on that!!

 

[Charlotte59]

I must say that as a former nurse, i never liked using these hand dryers because of their potential to spread germs. Some people don't wash their thoroughly enough and therefore, the spread of germs is prevalent.