7 Common Hand Washing Mistakes

Posted on December 25, 2017

Most people make mistakes when washing their hands. In the modern office, this can be a big concern, leading to less hygienic bathrooms and an unhealthy workplace.

At Jan-Pro®, our office cleaning experts know how important proper hand washing can be to bathroom hygiene. To help you keep your bathrooms more hygienic, we’ve compiled seven of the most common hand washing mistakes that our bathroom cleaners encounter.

Not Washing Hands Long Enough

It’s recommended that you spend at least 20 seconds washing your hands after going to the bathroom. Unfortunately, many people tend to wash their hands for only 5 or 10 seconds. This means germs are still clinging to their skin when they leave the bathroom.

Not Completely Drying Your Hands

Bacteria love wet and moist areas. If you fail to dry your hands, your skin will become a breeding ground for bacteria. That means drying your hands is essential after going to the bathroom. Instead of using the air dryer, choose paper towels, which are scientifically proven to more effectively reduce the spread of germs.

Skipping Soap Completely

Some people think that soap doesn’t make a big difference when washing their hands, choosing instead to give their hands a quick rinse. Unfortunately, the oils on your hands and the fatty materials in some bacteria make it easy for bacteria to cling to your hands even under running water.

Relying on Antibacterial Soap

Recent scientific research has shown that antibacterial soaps are no more effective at getting rid of bacteria than traditional soaps, so long as hands are washed properly. Antibacterial soaps are also linked to a rise in drug-resistant bacteria, making modern workers less safe.

Not Washing When You Should

In certain studies, up to 1 in 10 people skip washing their hands completely after going to the bathroom. Just as concerning is the even higher number who skip washing their hands before and after other high-bacteria situations, like handling garbage, before eating, or after a meal.

Missing Bacteria Hide-outs

Bacteria thrives in nooks, crannies, and other hard-to-reach areas. So when washing your hands, it’s important that you spend time washing out the areas between fingers and underneath nail beds, where bacteria are most likely to be hiding.

Touching Where You Shouldn’t

Hand washing is ineffective if you end up touching germy areas immediately after. Areas like faucet handles, bathroom counters, and door handles are hotspots for bacteria. So it’s best to use a clean paper towel to turn off faucets or open the door.

Improve bathroom hygiene in your workplace with office cleaning services from your local JAN-PRO®. Contact your local office today for a FREE office cleaning estimate.