Spoiler: You can ditch the germs without breaking the bank – or changing batteries every month. 

Hey! Izzy here. Since joining my family’s business, I’ve learned a lot about the unsung heroes of your facility: dispensers. And while it might not seem like an earth-shattering decision, choosing the right kind of paper towel dispenser can make a real difference in cleanliness, cost, and customer experience.

Let’s break down the various dispenser types and explain why more and more of our customers are choosing mechanical touch-free dispensers. 

Hygiene

Manual: You have to touch it. Enough said. In high-traffic areas, that can mean a higher risk of spreading germs. 

Mechanical touch-free: No sensors, no touching – the next paper towel peaks through to be pulled. It’s hand-free, but without the tech drama. These dispensers help reduce cross-contamination and actually encourage hand washing.

Motion touch-free: Fully touchless, sure, but more moving parts mean more maintenance, and sensitive sensors aren’t always user-friendly.  

Cost

Manual: Low upfront cost, but may not align with today’s hygiene expectations. Could cost more in the long run if no one washes their hands! 

Mechanical touch-free: Budget-friendly and no batteries to replace. A small investment for a meaningful jump in user experience and hygiene.

Motion touch-free: Higher upfront cost and ongoing battery expenses – not ideal if you’re outfitting multiple locations. 

Product Usage

Manual: Permits excessive usage of paper and burns through inventory (A.K.A. burning money in products and labor costs). 

Mechanical touch-free: Controlled delivery of the product. Having more consistent replenishment and more predictable product use means you save money on product and labor. 

Motion touch-free: Metered amount of product distributed to the end-user. 

User Experience 

Manual: Often found in older buildings. It can be ideal for industrial or low-traffic installations. 

Mechanical touch-free: Ideal for schools, retail spaces, high-traffic areas – anywhere you want a touchless experience without overcomplicating things. 

Motion touch-free: Sleek and fancy… but if the sensors aren’t working? You’ve got frustrated users and paper towels all over the floor. 

If you’re looking for a dispenser that balances hygiene, affordability, and simplicity, mechanical touch-free is the way to go. No batteries. No sensors. No unnecessary tech. Just clean hands, happy users, and one less thing to worry about! 

At Spruce, we’re a family business that’s obsessed with the details (so you don’t have to be). Reach out anytime- we’ll help you pick the perfect mechanical touch-free dispenser for your space, no guesswork required.