Buzz
Hand washing is essential, especially in moments like these, but splashing hot, soapy water isn’t enough. There is a proper way to wash your hands, and it involves singing or humming.
Technically, you don’t need to sing or hum, but it’s an easy way to ensure you're scrubbing your hands for the full 20 seconds needed to kill germs, which is the same length of time it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice.
'Happy Birthday' is a pretty lame song. It’s difficult to sing, and unless it’s your birthday, it only reminds you that you won’t be getting any presents. Since it’s hard to sing, you might end up rushing through it, which defeats the whole purpose of singing it. But there's another song you can hum or sing—one you'll actually enjoy. It’s a song that lasts exactly 20 seconds when sung twice, which is the right amount of time for washing your hands. Maybe you’ve heard it.
Yes, I’m talking about the Pizza Bagel Bites jingle, without a doubt the best one. It's much easier to sing than 'Happy Birthday,' and it even reminds you to buy Pizza Bagels, which is definitely a win!
The Pizza Bagel Bites jingle isn't the only one that works for hand washing. The Puppy Surprise jingle, when sung twice, lasts about 24 seconds, and the Mentos jingle only takes one go. There's even a local commercial jingle from my hometown in Mississippi that’s perfect if you want something a little more niche.
No matter what you decide to sing, hum, or recite, just ensure it lasts for 20 seconds. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap, covering the backs, wrists, and between your fingers. Then rinse, dry, and make it a habit!
