Yes, paper towel dispensers are a sanitary option for storing paper towels and helping people dry their hands, especially when compared to electric hand dryers. Paper towels and dispensers help remove bacteria through physical friction, trap germs in disposable paper and keep bacteria contained rather than blowing them into the air. If you’re looking for extra ways to prevent germs from spreading, use hand sanitizer after washing your hands with hand soap and use disinfecting wipes to help clean work surfaces.

To open a commercial paper towel dispenser, use the matching plastic key that comes with it in the top or side slot. Then press the hidden release buttons on the top or bottom of the dispenser. If there is no key available, you can use a flathead screwdriver or the tip of a pair of scissors to carefully turn the internal latch. Once it’s open, you can refill the dispenser with new paper towels.

To install a wall-mounted paper towel dispenser, have a drill, level, tape measure, pencil, screws and wall anchors with you. Position the paper towel dispenser 42 to 48 inches (106.7 to 121.9 cm) above the floor. Mark the mounting holes using a level, drill pilot holes, insert the wall anchors and secure the dispenser tightly with screws. When you’re finished, you can load the dispenser with paper towels.

No, paper towel dispensers can’t hold all paper towels. Paper towel dispensers are built for specific styles, like paper towel rolls, C-fold paper towels or multifold paper towels. They require specific dimensions for width, core size and paper towel diameter. Using the wrong size or fold type can lead to paper towels jamming or tearing.