Using fewer paper towels can reduce waste, but proper hand hygiene should not be sacrificed in the process. Don Thushara Galbadage, associate professor in health sciences and public health, recently shared his infectious disease expertise with Martha Stewart for an article examining how to effectively dry hands while minimizing paper towel use. The story was also syndicated by Yahoo! News, bringing his insights to a broader audience.
Proper hand-drying is an important, yet sometimes overlooked, part of hand hygiene. Because microorganisms can transfer more readily from wet hands than dry ones, thoroughly drying hands after washing can help reduce the potential spread of germs.
Galbadage offered practical guidance for getting the most out of a single paper towel. After shaking excess water from the hands, he recommends carefully drying each area rather than quickly wiping the hands together.
“Use it to pat and blot the palms, backs of the hands, fingertips, between the fingers and around the thumbs until the hands feel dry,” Galbadage said.
While reducing paper towel use can help limit waste, Galbadage emphasized that hygiene remains the priority. If one sheet leaves the hands feeling damp, “complete drying should take priority" over avoiding another paper towel.
Read the full story in Martha Stewart, also featured on Yahoo! News.