6 facts you may not know about handwashing

Washing your hands is one of the simplest steps you can take to stay healthy.

When you wash your hands, you keep your germs from spreading and infecting others. You can also wash away germs you might have picked up from some who is sick.

Medical experts have always stressed hand hygiene as flu season ramps up. When the pandemic struck, hand hygiene took on an even greater urgency to find ways to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In general, "germs" consist of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Your odds of getting sick increase once germs are on your hands and you touch your mouth, nose or eyes. They can spread from a sick person to an object and then infect someone who touches the contaminated object.

Germs also spread through the air when someone sneezes or coughs and someone else breathes them in. They can be shared through close contact – kissing, hugging or sharing glasses or utensils.

But you can reduce the transmission of viruses, bacteria and other germs by being vigilant about handwashing. The CDC says proper handwashing can prevent 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses. It can also prevent 20% of respiratory infections, like colds.

Some more facts about handwashing:

Is water without soap effective?

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. Using soap when you wash your hands is more effective than using water alone. For one, surfactants, which are chemical compounds, in soap lift soil and microbes from the skin. Also, people tend to scrub their hands more thoroughly when using soap, which removes even more germs.

What about soaps vs. hand sanitizers?

If soap and water are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. The CDC sets more specific hand hygiene guidelines for clinical settings. Check the label to find out the alcohol percentage.

Why 20 seconds for handwashing?

Evidence shows that washing hands for 15-30 seconds removes more germs than shorter washes. Given that, many countries and global organizations have adopted recommendations to wash hands for about 20 seconds. That's about the length of singing "Happy Birthday."

To be transparent, the CDC admits that the optimal time for handwashing needs further study. The length also depends on the situation and type of dirt or germs on your hand. A surgeon, for example, would wash hands longer than someone at home who is getting ready to eat a meal.

Is there a right way to wash hands?

Yes, there is. First, be sure to use soap and running water. Dipping your hands into a basin with standing water could breed more germs. The temperature of the water does not appear to affect germ removal.

Next, rub your hands together so the soap lathers. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Microbes tend to concentrate in the nails. Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from the skin.

Last, dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer. If someone is sick at home, you may be better off putting paper towels in your bathroom for hand drying instead of a towel. Be sure to switch your hand towel out every couple of days.

How often do I need to wash my hands?

Pretty often! Take a look at these circumstances that require handwashing, according to the CDC.

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

I've washed my hands. Now, what do I do about the door handle to get out of the bathroom?

Another tricky situation – you're in a public restroom, and you've washed your hands effectively. Then you've to pull on the door handle to get out and worry that it could be contaminated.

What to do? Scientists don't know if touching a bathroom door handle would transfer many germs to your hands. The topic hasn't been specifically studied. If you're concerned about getting germs on your hands after you wash them, you can use a paper towel, elbow, shirt or another hands-free way to open the door.

Washing your hands is one way to stay healthy during cold and flu season. Talk to your provider about other ways to prevent complications from respiratory viruses, including getting vaccinated against COVID-19, RSV and the flu.