Wash your hands in cold or lukewarm water: which is cleaner?

Since childhood, you may have been accustomed to wash your hands before eating or after traveling. However, do you know what is the best water temperature that works best for cleaning germs and bacteria that stick to your hands? Which is cleaner, wash your hands with cold or warm water? Here comes the answer from the experts!

Is it true that germs and bacteria are easier to kill with warm water?

Many people believe that washing hands with warm and hot water is more effective at killing germs and disease-causing bacteria. The reason is, since childhood you may have been told that foreign organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and germs will die if exposed to hot temperatures. This is why cooking food until it is completely cooked can prevent diseases caused by bacterial and viral infections.

However, what about the germs and bacteria that are on your hands? Can cold water thoroughly clean your hands? It turns out that according to the researchers, cold water is as effective as warm water and hot water to eradicate bacteria. So it doesn't matter what temperature the water is used for washing hands.

A study from Rutgers University in the United States (US) reveals that washing hands with a temperature of 15 degrees, 26 degrees, to 38 degrees Celsius is the same effect. In this experiment, the experts gave bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the hands of the study participants. Participants were then asked to wash their hands with different water temperatures.

The result, both cold water, warm water, and hot water can kill and repel these bacteria properly. So, you don't need to worry if you can't wash your hands with warm water. Cold water is enough, really.

It's not the temperature of the water that matters, it's the duration

In addition to testing the temperature of water that is effective in cleaning hands, this research by experts at Rutgers University in the Journal of Food Protection also examines the most effective way to wash hands.

According to health experts who joined in this study, it is not the temperature of the water that affects the hygiene of your hands, but the length of time you wash your hands. Washing your hands with soap for 30 seconds is proven to be much more effective in removing germs and bacteria on your hands. Meanwhile, if you wash your hands with soap for only 15 seconds, there are still many bacteria that stick to your hands. This is why it is recommended that you wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.

As for the best soap for washing hands, experts agree that regular soap is enough to clean germs and bacteria. You don't need to use special antibacterial or antiseptic soaps. The reason is that according to various studies and clinical trials, actually antibacterial soap is no more effective than ordinary soap. Don't forget to dry your hands with a clean cloth or tissue.