Is it better to wash your hands in warm or cold water?

Answer 1

Although the FDA mandates warm water for those in food service, the CDC says any temperature is fine, so it's a bit of a contested subject.

Heat is known to kill bacteria, but the temperature and duration of exposure required would seriously damage human skin, so that argument for warm water is a bust. Additionally, some advocate for washing in cool water because it uses less energy and is therefore more environmentally friendly.

Anyway, no matter the temperature, washing your hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds is good practice.

Answer 2

Washing them with cold or lukewarm water will work just as well as hot water to remove bacteria, according to a new study published in the Journal of Food Protection.

In handwashing experiments with 21 volunteers, Rutgers University researchers found no significant difference in cleaning power between water that was 60, 79 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They also found that lathering hands for just 10 seconds was sufficient to remove germs.

Answer 3

Cold water is just as effective as warm water for washing your hands.

There's a misconception that warm water kills more germs - it doesn't because the water is not hot enough to kill germs, unless the water you're using is hot enough to burn your hands.

Warm water is more comfortable though, but it takes longer for the tap to generate it. The effects will be the same as long as you wash with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Answer 4

It is better to wash your hands in medium water

Answer 5

Of course, it is better to wash your hands with warm water. It kills germs.

Answer 6

Warm is better, you get it clean better. Cold is just so torturous.

Answer 7

Only in the coldest water available

Answer 8

warm water because it will kill more germs

Answer 9

Heat kills more bacteria

Answer 10

warm is always better