In busy secondary schools, where hundreds of students use the facilities daily, the choice between hand dryers and paper towels isn’t just about drying hands, it’s also about hygiene, cost, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Here’s why hand dryers are the better option for modern educational environments.

1. Lower Long-Term Costs

Hand dryers require a one-time installation and minimal upkeep, while paper towels demand constant replenishment, storage space, and waste disposal. Over time, the cost of purchasing paper towels adds up significantly, especially in schools with large student populations. By switching to hand dryers, schools can redirect funds toward educational resources, extracurricular programs, or facility improvements.

2. Environmentally Friendly

Paper towels contribute to deforestation, water consumption, and landfill waste. Even recycled paper towels have a carbon footprint due to manufacturing and transportation. In contrast, energy-efficient hand dryers produce no consumable waste and use minimal electricity. For schools aiming to reduce their environmental impact and educate students about sustainability, hand dryers are a visible and practical step forward.

3. Improved hygiene to reduce pupil absence

Not only do modern, touchless hand dryers such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave u02 reduce the spread of germs compared to shared towel dispensers. They also eliminate the mess of discarded paper towels on floors, in sinks, and around bins which is a common issue in school bathrooms. Cleaner facilities contribute to better hygiene, fewer complaints, and a more respectful environment for students and staff alike.

4. More time for cleaning staff to improve the school environment

In high-traffic school environments, paper towels run out quickly and require constant attention from cleaning staff. This leads to interruptions, student frustration, and increased maintenance workload. Hand dryers are always available, reducing the need for frequent checks and allowing janitorial teams to focus on broader cleanliness and safety tasks across the school.

5. Reliable hand dryers that are designed to be robust

Hand dryers deliver a uniform drying experience every time. Unlike paper towels, which can be damp, torn, or missing altogether, dryers are dependable — especially during peak times like lunch breaks or class transitions. This reliability helps maintain order and ensures students can return to class promptly without hygiene-related delays.

6. Quiet hand dryers for a peaceful learning environment

Modern hand dryers are designed with noise reduction features, making them suitable for schools where sound levels matter. Quiet hand dryer operation is especially important near classrooms, libraries, or exam rooms, where concentration is key. Choosing low-decibel models like the Mitsubishi Electric Wave i01helps maintain a calm and focused learning atmosphere and provides a more comfortable environment for neurodiverse pupils who may be affected by loud noise.

7. Encourage student respect for the school with better facilities

Clean, well-maintained bathrooms in the school with sleek hand dryers promote a sense of pride and respect among students. They signal that the school values hygiene, sustainability, and modern standards. This can positively influence student behaviour and contribute to a more respectful and responsible school culture.

Find out More

Are you in the process of upgrading the toilet facilities in your school? Hand dryers aren’t just a practical improvement, they’re a step towards cleaner, healthier, quieter, and more sustainable schools that provide a better environment for pupils, staff, and visitors alike. Contact us today to speak to our team and book a demonstration.