Only 5% of Americans wash their hands correctly
Using hot water and an antimicrobial soap when washing your hands doesn’t make too much of a difference, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Food Protection.
“The literature on hand washing, while extensive, often contains conflicting data, and key variables are only superficially studied or not studied at all,” the authors wrote, as a motivation for their research. “Some hand washing recommendations are made without scientific support, and agreement between recommendations is limited.”
As Moneyish reports, certain things can be done better when washing your hands.
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You don’t lather for long enough
If you want to cut the bacteria on your hands you should lather for at least 20 seconds. The study recommends singing “Happy Birthday” twice or more, as it will help with timing yourself. Americans almost never do this. The researchers from Michigan State University watched people washing their hands in public restrooms and found that only 5% lathered long enough.
You worry too much about water temperature
Participants washed their hands with different water temperatures – some went as high as 100°F and as low as 60°F. The study found that this made no difference on e.coli elimination. The amount of bacteria on hands wasn’t majorly changed.
You’re too picky about your soap
Whether you’re using antimicrobial or bland soap makes no difference. “We have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, regarding the usefulness of antibacterial soaps.
However, there is a difference between antimicrobial and antibacterial products. “While antibacterial products prevent the development of bacteria, antimicrobial agents such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses,” Microban notes.
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