World Hand Hygiene Day 2025: Doctor Dispels 5 Common Myths Surrounding Hand Washing

World Hand Hygiene Day 2025: Should you wash hands with plain water only, by skipping soap? Are sanitisers alternatives to soap? Know everything about good hand hygiene here.

Importance of washing hands: Since childhood, people are taught to wash their hands and maintain some amount of hygiene, for it can keep infections and illnesses away. The habit of handwashing has long been associated with good health, as it is a means to drive away deadly viruses and bacteria by preventing them from entering the nose, mouth, and eyes during accidental touching. In the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a lot more stress on handwashing, especially when leaving the house and being in places commonly shared by strangers, where surfaces are touched often. In the post-pandemic era, handwashing continues to be encouraged, with the World Health Organization (WHO) insisting that this one simple daily habit can eliminate the risk of many deadly diseases in various parts of the world.

While hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections and diseases, many myths surround it, warns Dr Tejas Gohel, consultant microbiologist and nodal officer infection control at Lilavati Hospital. One myth is that using only water to wash hands is enough, or that hand sanitizers can replace hand washing. "A large number of people fail to pay attention to hand washing. Hence, addressing these misconceptions is essential to promoting proper hygiene practices," the doctor says.

Here, the doctor debunks five common myths related to handwashing; read on.

Myth 1: Wearing Gloves Eliminates The Need For Handwashing

Fact: The doctor says this statement is baseless, adding that wearing gloves can create a false sense of security. In fact, it has a very high risk for transmission of infections from various surfaces to self and others. "Many people use gloves while cooking or handling any objects. Hand hygiene should be prioritised even after wearing gloves. Gloves can be torn during use, or even the germs and bacteria can get stuck on them, which may infect others. Wearing gloves is not so safe, because you never know what is present on the gloves -- dust, bacteria -- that can come in contact with another person," Dr Gohel says. Instead, one must wash hands with soap.

Myth 2: Use Hot Water For Hands Instead Of Cold Water

Fact: The doctor dismisses it by saying that temperature will not change the efficacy of a hand wash. "Germs or microorganisms are killed by the effect of soap and water (hot/cold) only help to wash away the soap. There is no scientific study or evidence available to prove that hot water is beneficial, when it comes to hand washing."

Myth 3: Hand Sanitising Is Similar To Hand Washing

Fact: No, hand sanitising will not give the same results as hand washing when hands are visibly dirty or soiled, the expert says, adding that washing of hands with soap and water is effective against all types of germs. "Hand sanitising is not an alternative to handwashing. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which will offer protection from bacteria and germs."

Myth 4: Hand Washing Technique Is Not Importance

Fact: The correct handwashing technique involves scrubbing all parts of the hands, including palms, the back of hands, between the fingers, the thumbs, under the nails, and the wrist with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is crucial to rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel; or let it air-dry. Proper hand washing technique matters and provides a much-needed protection against germs.

Myth 5: Hand Washing Ideal Only After Using The Washroom Or Before Cooking

Fact: The doctor states that while it is important to wash hands after using the washroom or before cooking, it is also crucial to wash hands after touching commonly-touched places, when out in a crowded space, like travelling in local trains, buses etc. "It is also important to wash hands after touching pets, door handles, faucets, furniture, light switches, and elevator buttons, before you touch your face, and before and after you wear gloves," the doctor concludes.