Even still, there is a debate on the idea of hand washing in public bathrooms-- the paper towel versus the automatic hand dryer. Apparently, though the automatic hand dryer may be better (healthier, if you will) for Mother Earth, people using one may contract more germs from the button that they push to start one! Also, users often leave the bathrooms with wet or damp hands.
Paper towels, however, are the definite winner when it comes to effectively drying wet hands. But paper towel dispensers face the same problem as hand dryers -- that little towel crank carries wet germs from other hand washers, which can lead to sickness just as frequently.
So what is the definitive hand washing solution? Would you rather be under-germed, as is the problem with hand sanitizers, have wet germs, caused by hand dryers... or have too many germs, caused by paper towel cranks?
The Best Method Of Healthy Handwashing
A lot of researchers are stating that the best way to wash your hands is with good old fashioned soap and warm water, not the antibacterial soaps in the fancy restaurants. However, that's not always possible, so we'll have to make do. I've heard the same thing about Purrell too, but I keep one in my car because, well, there just isn't space in there to put a sink in!! A lot of places are now setting up the hand dryer with the sensor so that nobody has to touch it (although some people do keep touching it...???). The paper towel dispense and sink are almost all set as sensors. It costs a bit more for the place of business, but more sanitary than not.You should crank your paper towel before washing your hands. Use that same paper towel to turn the faucet off and open the door. The sinks and toilets usually have a sensor in more modern places. Most of the restrooms here have a sensor for the dryer and paper towels so you don't have to touch anything, just wave your hand. There isn't a door really, just an open area to walk in and out. So thank you for sensors and then I just use antibacterial hand lotion.
Well a lot of the paper towel dispensers are automatic now and if not, just use your elbow. They are better than the air dryers because its just blowing the germ filled air back onto your hands. And yes, antibac soap is being looked down on more because we need some of those "germs" to actually help fight off bigger "badder" germs. And like you said, we need some of the bacteria to do that. So wash away, paper towel dry, and use a paper towel to open the bathroom door on your way out. And unless you go to a really nasty place, or touch something detestable, dont bother with the antibac pocket hand santis.