Global Handwashing Day 15.10.2015 – inefficient drying does not remove all the bacteria from the hands
Global Handwashing Day reminds us of the importance of handwashing. Research has shown that only five per cent of people wash their hands sufficiently after using a toilet to remove all the bacteria causing diseases*. Correct handwashing requires correct routines. Careful drying with a textile or paper tissue is an essential part of good hand hygiene**. The best soap is gentle to the skin, but bar soap is not the best option for hygiene.
“Usually the influenza epidemics spreading during the last part of the year make many people fall ill. Clean hands are the most efficient way to prevent diseases from spreading. Hands should be washed several times a day,” says the expert of hand hygiene at Lindström, Marja Hautanen.
An international study has shown that 33 per cent of people do not use soap because it dries their skin, and only five per cent wash their hands sufficiently after using a toilet to remove the bacteria causing diseases.**
“It is surprising how few people wash their hands properly to fulfil the requirements for good hand hygiene. Dry hands spread and receive microbes to a significantly lesser extent than wet hands. Therefore, hands should be properly dried in order to prevent the microbes from spreading. Soap wash and proper drying guarantee clean hands.”
Washing your hands properly:
- Remove your jewellery and watch before you wash your hands
- Use soap when washing
- Dry your hands with a tissue or paper.
*Borchgrevink et al. 2013, Journal of Environmental Health
**Hjelt institute 2013
For more information, please contact:
Marja Hautanen, Manager Sales and Marketing Competence, Lindström Oy, p. +358 40 047 8961, marja.hautanen@lindstromgroup.com
Lindström Group
Textile service company Lindström strengthens the company image of its customers. Our service makes our customer’s everyday life easier and provides the best value on the market. We are a responsible corporate citizen and a respected employer. Lindström is the employer of over 3,000 people in Europe and in Asia. The group turnover in 2014 was €301 million. old.lindstromgroup.com