How To Refill A Paper Towel Dispenser

Paper towel dispensers are the workhorse of any washroom. One of the most widespread and popular methods of hand drying, the humble paper towel is fast, efficient and reliable. However, if the paper towel dispenser is refilled incorrectly, then users won’t be able to access the hand towels properly. Paper jams and blockages can lead to frustration, more towels being pulled through than needed and users leaving with wet hands - which can be responsible for the faster spread of bacteria.

How does a paper towel dispenser work?

Most paper towel dispensers work by housing a stacked deck of carefully folded disposable hand towels. They are placed in the dispenser and accessed from a slot at the bottom. Paper towels are stacked in a special way so that as the bottom towel is pulled through the dispenser, the folded edge of the next paper towel will hang down ready for the next user. 

Most paper towel dispensers are wall-mounted, but we offer options that sit behind the mirror above the washbasin, within a recessed wall unit above a waste paper bin, and even sprung-loaded models that fit into the vanity top. 

In some cases, you may have a paper towel dispenser that is fed from a roll. This typically sits on a reel or above two rollers with the open sheet hanging down through a gap in the dispenser. Additionally, you may have a paper towel dispenser that is fed from a centre feed roll. 

How to refill a paper towel dispenser

Models of paper towel dispenser vary, and the surest way to get the operation and refilling of them correctly is to consult the manufacturers manual. However, most folded paper towel dispensers require you to remove the casing. This could be a fold-down front cover or a metal casing that can only be removed by using a key. Once this is removed, you need to carefully unpack a reem of paper towels and hold them tightly as you transport them across into the cradles within the dispenser. You may need to pull through the first sheet in order to ensure it is lined up correctly. 

Once filled with fresh paper towels, the casing or cover can be put back and the dispenser is good to go. Paper towels are a simple but very effective means to dry hands and continue to be one of the most popular options in commercial wash spaces. Refilling dispensers is a fast and easy process with little ongoing maintenance. 

If you would like further advice on paper towel dispensers and other hand drying options, please get in touch with one of the team on 01202 650900