Drying hands: The often-overlooked hygiene step in washrooms

Drying hands is a crucial yet often overlooked part of effective hand hygiene. In public and workplace washrooms, proper hand drying significantly reduces germ transmission and completes the hygiene process.

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12 February 2026Hygiene

Drying hands may seem like a small detail, but it is a decisive part of hand hygiene. Especially in environments with high footfall, thoroughly dried hands reliably prevent the transmission of germs. Missing drying options and a lack of awareness are common mistakes, yet they are easy to avoid.

Hand-drying: more than a comfort factor
Why thorough hand-drying matters
Hand-drying as part of professional hygiene processes
Hygiene and communication aspects around correct hand-drying
Effective placement of hand-drying options
Sustainable and efficient hand-drying in the workplace
Hand-drying: small step, major impact

Hand-drying: more than a comfort factor

Drying hands may sound like a minor, unremarkable action, and persistent hand hygiene myths often suggest that hand-drying is not essential. In reality, it is a key hygiene step. Proper drying after washing completes the hygiene process and ensures that no residual germs remain on the hands. In public and workplace washrooms, where many people interact, germs multiply particularly quickly in moist environments.

While most people understand the importance of handwashing, hand-drying is often underestimated. Yet it is precisely this last step that removes the germ-friendly moisture and secures hygiene over the long term. A small measure with a significant effect!

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Why thorough hand-drying matters

From an occupational health and safety perspective, correct hand-drying is an essential protective measure, and this is well documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises that drying is what completes the hand hygiene cycle. Anyone who does not dry their hands risks spreading germs on surfaces, into the air and onto the skin. According to a University of Westminster study, wet hands spread up to 1,000 times more germs than dry hands, particularly in public washrooms.

International occupational health and infection prevention guidelines also highlight that wet hands are a risk factor for transmitting pathogens. Drying hands is therefore not only a matter of hygiene but also an organisational duty for employers. It should be embedded in workplace hygiene plans and is a prerequisite for effectively protecting employees and visitors.

For organisations, this means: when hands are dried properly, infection risks decrease noticeably, and protection levels rise.

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Hand-drying as part of professional hygiene processes

Hand-drying is one of the five core steps of hand hygiene in the workplace as defined by international health institutions:

Hold hands under running water
Apply soap to cover all areas
Rub thoroughly to reach all parts of the hands
Rinse under running water
Dry hands thoroughly

For employers, this means that hand-drying systems must be an integral part of hygiene concepts. Guidance from the WHO makes it clear that technical equipment, staff training and regular checks must work hand in hand to guarantee hygiene. Facility managers, building administrators and cleaning teams share operational responsibility: maintaining dispensers, keeping washrooms clean and clearly communicating measures for hand hygiene in the workplace are all essential elements. This ensures that hand-drying is no longer overlooked but becomes a natural part of daily hygiene routines.

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Hygiene and communication aspects around correct hand-drying

To ensure that users do not skip the final hygiene step, visual cues, well-designed dispensers and effective communication strategies play a crucial role. Modern paper towel dispensers or cotton towel dispensers support correct use through intuitive handling and user-friendly placement. In addition, "nudge" concepts - small, positive prompts - encourage hygienic behaviour.

Successful communication typically uses clear messages such as “Clean hands are dry hands.” These simple reminders raise awareness and help establish a culture where hygiene measures are seen not as a burden but as shared protection. User comfort and acceptance go hand in hand with effective hygiene behaviour.

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Effective placement of hand-drying options

Different hand-drying systems vary in hygiene performance, convenience and sustainability:

Paper towel dispensers: Single-use paper towels are hygienic because they are disposed of after use. They dry hands effectively through light friction, which also helps remove germs. The downside: they generate waste that must be disposed of regularly.
Cotton towel dispensers (e.g., cotton roll systems): Reusable cotton towels offer a pleasant drying experience and are environmentally friendly because they are professionally cleaned and reused. Every user receives a fresh section, improving hygiene. The gentle friction allows hands to dry quickly and thoroughly. Installation and servicing are somewhat more involved.
Air-drying (electric hand dryers): Modern jet-stream dryers dry hands quickly and without waste. They are energy-efficient, although air circulation can distribute germs in the room. Warm-air dryers are less efficient and require longer drying times.

Clear cleaning routines, staff training and structured cleaning schedules help ensure hygiene standards are consistently met. Integrating the drying process into hygiene plans and facility-management workflows makes it a reliable part of operations.

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Sustainable and efficient hand-drying in the workplace

Modern cotton and paper towel dispensers from CWS combine hygiene with sustainability. Cotton towel systems, for example, offer a skin-friendly and environmentally conscious solution for drying hands that reduces paper consumption and therefore cuts waste and costs. Cotton towels use up to 48% less energy and water over their lifecycle, as they are washed, dried and reused, significantly reducing environmental impact.

By integrating dispensers into smart washroom management systems such as smartMate IoT, fill levels can be monitored digitally, allowing for more efficient planning of replacement and maintenance. This helps organisations deploy resources more effectively.

The right choice of hand drying system depends on hygiene requirements, sustainability goals and user comfort. With modern CWS dispensers, you don’t need to worry about installation, maintenance, refilling or about the collection, laundering and return of cotton towels. Our rental model takes care of all of this for you

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Hand-drying: small step, major impact

Hand-drying is the often underestimated but essential final step of hand hygiene in the workplace. Without it, the hygiene process remains incomplete, and the risk of germ transmission stays high. With the right combination of professional dispenser systems, clear communication and well-organised hygiene routines, companies and public institutions create washroom environments that protect health and enhance user comfort.

CWS Hygiene demonstrates how high hygiene standards can be combined with sustainable thinking and efficient equipment through tailored solutions for your organisation.

Drying hands: The often-overlooked hygiene step in washrooms

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Contents

Hand-drying: more than a comfort factor

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Why thorough hand-drying matters

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Hand-drying as part of professional hygiene processes

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Hygiene and communication aspects around correct hand-drying

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Effective placement of hand-drying options

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Sustainable and efficient hand-drying in the workplace

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Hand-drying: small step, major impact

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Drying hands: The often-overlooked hygiene step in washrooms

Hand-drying: more than a comfort factor

Why thorough hand-drying matters

Hand-drying as part of professional hygiene processes

Hygiene and communication aspects around correct hand-drying

Effective placement of hand-drying options

Sustainable and efficient hand-drying in the workplace

Hand-drying: small step, major impact