Washing our hands is a daily routine that we all follow, especially now in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. But have you ever wondered if the temperature of water actually matters when washing our hands? It turns out, it does matter.

: Factors to keep in mind while washing your hands

Before we dive into why cool water is important, let’s go over some factors that do matter while washing your hands:.

The water must have enough soap solutions to clean all the dirt, germs, and bacteria.
The washing should continue for at least 20 seconds which would ensure all the germs and bacteria to be removed from your hands.
Our hands should be washed frequently throughout the day.

: The Benefits of Cold Water

There are several reasons why washing our hands with cool water could be more beneficial than using warm or hot water:.

: 1. Helps Preserve Natural Oils

Cool water is beneficial for keeping our natural oils in our hands intact. Hot water can strip away the natural oil which could lead to our skin drying and cracking, and potentially leaving the skin open to potential pathogens and infections.

: 2. Prevents Burns

Using hot water might accidentally harm our skin, leading to burns that could expose our hands to the bacteria and germs we were trying to remove by washing them in the first place. Using cool water instead of hot water gets rid of this risk.

: 3. Saves Energy

Using cool water can lead to energy conservation as there is no need for water heaters. Washing our hands with cool water can indirectly lead to saving on energy bills.

: 4. Safe for the environment

As cool water does not involve the use of energy, it could potentially be more environmentally friendly.

When Should You Use Warm Water Instead?

Cool water is best for daily hand washing, though there are times when warm water could be beneficial:.

: 1. Removing Grease or Oil

In cases where your hands are oily due to exposure to grease or oil, warm water could be beneficial to remove it. Warm or hot water is more effective at dissolving the oil and dirt from your skin than cold water.

However, adding soap to cool water and washing your hands still does the same job.

: 2. Foaming Soap

If you are using foaming soap, warm water will help to create more foam. The foam helps to suspend dirt and bacteria and prevent it from settling back on your hands. However, adding additional soap to cool water can also get the same job done.

: 3. Cold and Flu Prevention

During cold and flu season, warm water can help to kill off viruses and bacteria, which is especially important if you are living with someone who is sick. During cold and flu season, it is recommended to avoid using cool water to wash your hands.

: Conclusion

Washing our hands is an essential habit that we all should follow. Whether you prefer cool water or hot water, always use enough soap to clean off all dirt, germs, and bacteria that accumulate on our hands throughout the day.

Remember that washing your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds is key to hand hygiene.