Which is the better option in a public bathroom – the air dryer or paper? The germaphobes weigh in...

A lot of public restrooms have both paper towels and an air dryer. ..

So which one should you use? Paper towels are the way to go. According to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, paper towels are better at fighting bacteria than the air dryers. That’s because we use friction with the paper towels. That friction helps to dislodge the microorganisms while drying.

Handwashing experts say friction is the most important element of the process. Antibacterial soap isn’t in contact with the skin long enough to really do the job. They say drying with paper is an important precaution to take in places where hygiene is particularly important, such as restaurants, hospitals and schools.