For any restroom host who aims to select amenities based on those that will provide the most pleasant experience for their customers (as well they should)...here's a bit of advice: when it comes to hand drying options, people prefer paper towels.

In a recent poll conducted by Harris Interactive, people responded as follows to their preference among common restroom hand drying provisions:
Paper Towels 55%
High Velocity Jet Air Dryer 25%
Hot Air Dryer 16%
Cloth Towel 1%
Not sure 2%

Another important consideration for time-pressed people is speed. The majority of respondents, 59%, also selected paper towels as the fastest method for drying hands, followed by: high velocity jet air dryer, 25%; linen or cloth towel, 8%; hot air dryer, 4%; and not sure, 4%.

Finally, paper towels top the chart for hygiene. While many people tend to have the impression that hot air dryers are the most sanitary, scientific research shows that paper towels are not only more hygienic and effective, but that hot air and jet air dryers actually do more harm than good when it comes to reducing bacteria in public washrooms.

“Controlled experiments conducted in December 2008 by scientists at the University of Westminster found that paper towel drying reduced the average number of bacteria on the finger pads by up to 76% and on the palms by up to 77%,” said Mike Kapalko, Environmental and Tork Services Manager, SCA Tissue North America.. “By comparison, electric hand dryers actually caused bacteria counts to increase.”

Test results of the Westminster study showed:

* Traditional warm air dryers increased the average number of bacteria by 194% on the finger pads and by 254% on the palms.
* Jet air dryers increased the average number of bacteria on the finger pads by 42% and on the palms by 15%.

Read the full Press Release here.

Top Tip: Avoid crank or lever models of paper towel dispensers. A simple box-style dispenser that accommodates C-fold or multi-fold towels will provide touch-free delivery and is more stylish in appearance.