The Basics of Hand Washing

We've all experienced it: you and a colleague leave the bathroom at the same time. You, the responsible one, wash your hands, while your co-worker smooths his hair and walks out. He's part of the reason you hesitate before grabbing candy from the shared jar at the office reception.

In a 2007 observational study, only 77 percent of people were observed washing their hands after using public restrooms. A separate survey found that just 34 percent of individuals reported always washing their hands after sneezing or coughing [source: American Society for Microbiology].

You may be wondering why hand washing is so crucial, but the truth is it's one of the best ways to stop the spread of germs and infections. Not only does it protect you, but it also prevents bacteria from transferring to others, potentially causing illnesses like the common cold or more severe and sometimes life-threatening conditions such as Escherichia coli and salmonella.

Even those who recognize the importance of hand washing may not always use the most effective technique. Washing hands might seem as easy as rubbing them together under running water, but there are several factors to consider: how long to wash, how frequently, the right water temperature, and what to do once you're done.

When washing your hands, it's essential to be mindful of the correct water temperatures and proper techniques. You should also understand the best way to dry your hands to prevent re-contamination after washing. Next, you'll learn the most effective ways to prepare before washing your hands.

Getting Ready to Wash Your Hands

You might not have given it much thought, but there are several important considerations before you wash your hands. Perhaps the most vital is knowing when it's necessary to wash them. You should wash your hands after coming into contact with significant amounts of bacteria or viruses. For instance, after using the toilet, changing a diaper, or handling waste, because harmful microbes—such as E. coli—are often found in fecal matter.

It's essential to wash your hands whenever you're handling food, whether you're preparing it or about to eat it. Be sure to wash your hands before and after preparing food, especially when handling raw meat or poultry. Always take extra care when dealing with anything that could contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or other germs. Situations that require hand washing include:

An important factor when washing your hands is the type of soap to use. Regular soap works by using two types of molecules: hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling). When you lather up, the hydrophobic molecules grab onto dirt and bacteria, which are then rinsed away with water. Antibacterial soaps work in a similar way but are designed to kill bacteria, not just wash them away. However, some studies suggest that antibacterial soaps offer no additional benefits over regular soap. In fact, they might only kill weaker bacteria, leaving stronger strains behind that could become harder to remove in the future [source: Mayo Clinic]. Regardless, you should always use soap when washing your hands as it provides a better clean than water alone.

Now that you're aware of when and what to use for hand washing, continue reading to learn why certain water temperatures help soap work more effectively than others.

Water Temperature for Hand Washing

You may have heard that washing your hands with hot water is best because it helps kill bacteria, but that’s a myth. While adult skin begins to burn at 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), studies show that even water at that temperature doesn’t eliminate bacteria from your hands [source: American Burn Association, World Health Organization].

Although warm water doesn’t kill germs, it’s still commonly recommended for two main reasons. The first is that it’s generally more comfortable than cold water. The second reason is that many modern soaps are optimized to work best in warm water [sources: Hand Washing for Life, Christophersen].

Another reason to avoid very hot water is that it can strip your skin of its natural oils. This can lead to dry or cracked skin, and in some cases, people may wash their hands less to avoid worsening these symptoms [source: Starobin]. In short, it's best to use water that’s warm, but not uncomfortable to the touch.

It's important to note that modern soaps are still effective in colder water, so if you don’t have access to warm water, it’s better to wash your hands with cold water and soap than to skip the soap entirely [source: Hand Washing for Life].

Once you’ve got the right water temperature, it’s time to move on to the actual hand washing process. Timing plays a key role here, so keep reading to discover a simple method to track your seconds as you scrub.

Hand Washing Techniques

Even though you’ve probably been washing your hands for a long time, there are many important steps that most people either aren’t aware of or don’t follow. For instance, wetting your hands before applying soap helps create a lather for a more effective cleaning. After your hands are lathered, you should scrub them for at least 20 seconds, or the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice at a normal pace. Be sure to wash every part of your hands, including your wrists, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and underneath your nails. And don’t forget to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any soap residue behind.

When you’re done washing your hands, it’s crucial to avoid contaminating them again before you leave the sink. If possible, use a towel or tissue to turn off the faucet and open the door to avoid touching high-germ areas, especially in public restrooms [source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention].

After thoroughly washing your hands, the next task is to dry them properly. Keep reading to discover safe and effective ways to dry your hands.

How to Dry Your Hands

Once your hands are clean, it’s important to dry them properly without exposing them to dirt again.

At home, it can be tricky to avoid recontaminating your hands when drying them, especially if you’re using the same hand towel repeatedly. The towel may carry bacteria from previous hand washes, which can be transferred back to your hands after they’ve been cleaned. To ensure proper drying, consider using disposable towels or frequently washing reusable ones to keep them fresh and free from germs.

Most public restrooms offer either disposable towels or hand dryers that blow warm air to help dry your hands. Be cautious when using the hand dryer, as the button could be contaminated. To avoid direct contact, try activating it with an unexposed part of your body, like your elbow.

It’s incredible how something as simple as proper hand washing can significantly impact your health. By following the recommended techniques for decontaminating your hands, you can keep bacteria and germs at bay. Continue reading to learn more about effective hand washing practices.