Paper Towels vs Air Dryers: Which Is Actually Cheaper for Businesses?

When it comes to commercial washrooms, business owners often face one big question: paper towels or air dryers?

Air dryers look modern and “eco-friendly,” while paper towels feel traditional. But when you look past the marketing and into real operating costs, the answer becomes much clearer.

Let’s break it down—cost, hygiene, maintenance, and long-term value—so you can make the smartest (and cheapest 😏) choice for your business.

Upfront Costs: Air Dryers Aren’t Cheap

Commercial-grade air dryers typically cost between $500 and $1,500 per unit, not including:

• Electrical installation
• Wall modifications
• Downtime during installation
• Future repairs and replacements

Paper towel dispensers, on the other hand, usually cost $40 to $120 and can be installed quickly with minimal effort.

Winner: Paper Towels (lower upfront investment)

Ongoing Costs: Electricity vs Consumables

Air Dryers

• Constant electricity usage
• Higher hydro bills in high-traffic washrooms
• Motor and sensor failures over time
• Downtime when units break

Paper Towels

• Predictable cost per case
• No electricity required
• No mechanical parts to fail
• Easy budgeting and restocking

Businesses love predictable expenses. Your accountant definitely does.

Winner: Paper Towels (consistent and controllable costs)

Speed & User Behavior (This One Matters)

Studies show that air dryers take 20–45 seconds to properly dry hands, and most users don’t wait that long.

Wet hands lead to water on floors, walls, and door handles—creating safety and cleanliness issues.

Paper towels dry hands in 5–10 seconds and can also be used to open doors, improving hygiene even further.

Winner: Paper Towels (faster, cleaner, safer)

Hygiene & Cleanliness

Hygiene is a major concern in commercial washrooms, especially in offices, restaurants, clinics, and retail spaces.

Air Dryers

• Can circulate bacteria through air movement
• Leave moisture on hands
• Increase water splashing around sinks

Paper Towels

• Physically remove bacteria from hands
• Reduce moisture buildup
• Keep washrooms visibly cleaner

Cleaner washrooms improve customer perception—and better perception means repeat business.

Winner: Paper Towels

Hidden Costs Businesses Often Forget

Air dryers often create:

• Increased janitorial labor
• More maintenance calls
• Customer and employee complaints
• Noise and accessibility issues

Paper towels offer simplicity—easy refills, minimal complaints, and no noise.

Winner: Paper Towels (peace of mind included)

So, Which Is Actually Cheaper?

For most businesses—including offices, restaurants, warehouses, clinics, and retail stores— paper towels are the more cost-effective solution when you consider:

• Lower upfront costs
• Predictable monthly expenses
• Better hygiene
• Faster user experience
• Lower maintenance requirements

Air dryers may look modern, but paper towels quietly save businesses money year after year.

Why Businesses Buy Paper Towels from Depot365

At Depot365, we supply commercial-grade paper towels designed for high-traffic washrooms, cost control, and reliable hygiene.

We focus on bulk pricing, trusted brands, and products that make sense for businesses—not households pretending to be offices.

Explore our selection of commercial paper towels and keep your washrooms clean without blowing the budget.

Final Verdict

If you care about costs, cleanliness, and customer experience, paper towels are the smarter business choice.

Simple. Reliable. Profitable.