Maintaining a quiet and focused classroom environment is essential for effective learning. Unfortunately, in schools, children will use the bathroom during the day, and this noise from nearby bathrooms can disrupt lessons and cause students to lose concentration.

Old fashioned warm air hand dryers in toilet areas close to classrooms can be very loud in use and create low frequency noises that penetrate walls and can distract children. Quiet hand dryers, such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave range, can help reduce classroom noise and enhance student focus by creating a more peaceful learning atmosphere.

The Impact of Bathroom Noise on Learning

Classrooms located near school bathrooms often experience interruptions from loud hand dryers. The sound of conventional dryers can travel through walls, disturbing lessons, exams, or quiet reading periods. Noise distractions have been shown to affect student concentration, comprehension, and retention. The effects are particularly pronounced for younger and neurodiverse children who are more sensitive to environmental disturbances.

When students lose focus due to unexpected noise, teachers may need to repeat instructions, which can waste important learning time. Schools looking to improve concentration levels should consider noise-reducing solutions for bathroom facilities—this includes choosing hand dryers designed to operate quietly without compromising drying performance.

How Jet Hand Dryers Reduce Noise

Traditional hand dryers often rely on high-speed motors that generate excessive noise. Older models may reach 80–90 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a passing train or loud traffic. In contrast, modern jet hand dryers, such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave range, incorporate noise-reduction technology to operate at significantly lower decibel levels.

Key noise-reducing features of jet hand dryers include the design of the internal aerodynamics which direct a smooth flow of air through a narrow nozzle minimises turbulence and reduces operating noise. At the same time, the fully enclosed designs prevent noise from exposed fans and motors from leaking into the surrounding area.

In addition to their design features, jet hand dryers are much faster in use than conventional warm air designs. Drying times can be as low as 10 seconds, which means less time for noise to be generated.

Different Hand Dryer Designs Can Help With Noise Control

Schools must also consider whether to opt for hands-in or hands-under dryers when selecting low-noise solutions:

Hands-In jet dryers enclose the user’s hands within a drying chamber, and are well suited to older children as they can be mounted higher on the walls. The Mitsubishi Electric Wave i01 features soundproofed airflow, making it an excellent choice for schools looking to minimise disruptions.

Modern hands-under hand dryer designs such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave u02 incorporate quiet motor technology to keep noise levels manageable. These may be preferable in areas with younger students who need easier accessibility.

Hygiene & Energy Efficiency

Beyond noise reduction, modern jet hand dryers offer enhanced hygiene features and energy efficiency, making them a sustainable choice. HEPA filtration, present in models like the Mitsubishi Electric Wave series, ensures cleaner air circulation, reducing bacteria spread. These dryers also use less electricity per dry, lowering school energy bills compared to outdated high-energy models.

Switching to jet hand dryers also eliminates the waste associated with paper towels, preventing mess in bathrooms while promoting environmental sustainability. Schools aiming for cost-effective, hygienic, and noise-conscious solutions will benefit from upgrading to a modern jet hand dryer system.

Find out More

For schools looking to create a quieter learning environment, investing in low-noise jet hand dryers is an effective solution. Contact us today to discuss your school’s needs and request a demonstration of the latest Mitsubishi Electric Wave hand dryers.