World Hand Hygiene Day 2026

Clean hands. Properly dried.

Every year on 5 May, World Hand Hygiene Day reminds us just how much a simple act can do. Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs, but it's only half the job. How you dry them matters just as much.

Whether you run a school, a healthcare facility, a busy restaurant or a shared office, the hand drying options you offer your visitors, patients and staff can make a real difference to hygiene standards.

Here's what you need to know.

What is World Hand Hygiene Day?

World Hand Hygiene Day takes place every year on 5 May. It's led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and was first introduced in 2009 as part of a global campaign to reduce infections in healthcare settings.

The day encourages healthcare workers, organisations and individuals to reflect on their hand hygiene habits and the environments that support them. Each year carries a specific theme, drawing attention to different aspects of hand hygiene practice.

While the campaign has its roots in clinical care, the message reaches well beyond hospitals. Schools, workplaces, hospitality venues and public spaces all play a part in keeping hand hygiene standards high

Why drying matters

Wet hands spread bacteria far more easily than dry ones. Research consistently shows that people who don't dry their hands properly after washing can transfer significantly more bacteria to the surfaces and people they touch.

It sounds simple. But in a busy washroom, with no paper towels left in the dispenser or a hand dryer that takes forever, people skip it. That's where the right setup makes all the difference.

phs AIRSTREAM hand dryer in use in a commercial washroom

Five tips for better hand drying

1. Dry thoroughly, not just briefly

Take the time to dry every part of your hands, including between your fingers and around your thumbs. A quick wave under a hand dryer or a single swipe with a paper towel isn't enough. Aim for hands that feel genuinely dry before you leave the sink.

2. Choose your method wisely

Both paper towels and electric hand dryers can be effective when used properly. Paper towels are fast and easy to use correctly. A good-quality hand dryer, used for the full drying time, is just as hygienic and better for reducing waste. The key is making sure whatever you offer is well-maintained and readily available.

3. Keep dispensers and dryers stocked and working

An empty paper towel dispenser or a broken hand dryer is more than an inconvenience. It's a hygiene risk. If people can't dry their hands properly, they won't. Regular servicing and reliable restocking are non-negotiable in any environment where hygiene counts.

4. Think about the whole handwashing station

Hand drying works best when it's part of a complete setup. Soap dispensers, running water and a drying option should all be close together and easy to use. If people have to move across the room to find a dryer, or if the soap runs out, the whole routine breaks down.

5. Consider your environment

Different settings have different needs. In healthcare environments, single-use paper towels are often preferred to avoid any risk of cross-contamination. In schools, low-level dispensers make handwashing accessible for younger children. In high-footfall public spaces, fast-drying electric dryers can keep queues moving. The right solution depends on who's using your washrooms and how often.

How phs can help

At phs, we look after washroom hygiene for tens of thousands of customers across the UK. From hospitals and schools to offices and hospitality venues, we know that clean, well-stocked washrooms don't look after themselves.

Here's a look at how we can support your hand hygiene setup.

HEPA-filtered hand dryers

A range of our energy-efficient hand dryers are fitted with HEPA filters, which capture bacteria and particles from the air as hands dry. They're fast, quiet and designed to reduce energy use, so they work for your washrooms and your bills. As part of a service agreement, we handle installation, maintenance and any replacements, so you don't have to.

Paper towel dispensers and consumables

If paper towels are your preference, or a requirement in your setting, we supply and service dispensers to keep them stocked and working. Regular restocking visits mean your team doesn't have to chase supplies or deal with empty units during busy periods. Our dispensers are designed to release less paper towels than older models, to save wastage.

Soap dispensers and hand sanitisers

Good hand hygiene starts at the sink. We supply a range of soap dispensers and hand sanitiser units for washrooms, entrances and communal areas. Pairing them with your drying solution means you're covering every step of the handwashing routine. Each one is designed to give the perfect amount of soap or sanitiser needed.

Full washroom servicing

Beyond individual products, we offer full washroom service contracts. Our drivers visit regularly, check that everything's working, restock consumables and flag anything that needs attention. It takes the day-to-day pressure off your team.

A date worth remembering

World Hand Hygiene Day is a useful prompt to check in on your washroom setup. Are your dryers working? Are your dispensers stocked? Is the soap running out before the end of the day?

If the answer to any of those is 'not always', it might be time to take a closer look. phs works with organisations of all sizes to make sure hygiene standards are met day in, day out, not just on awareness days.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your washrooms.