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We've spent the last two years being persistently reminded about the importance of washing our hands because of Covid.
But, chances are, you have barely given a second's thought about how to dry them.
According to one expert, a Microbiologist of 50 years standing.. not drying your hands after a trip to the toilet can actually be even worse than not washing them at all.
Dr David Webber, a microbiologist with 50 years' experience, including at University College of Swansea, claimed people who do not properly dry their hands could be described as 'anti-social'.
Bacteria such as E. coli thrive on damp surfaces, including hands. Previous research has suggested 85 per cent of microbes spread by people contaminating surfaces occur when hands are still moist.
As part of his quest to improve public hygiene, Dr Webber has now ranked eight of the world's most popular hand drying methods from best to worst.
At the top comes 'the surgeon' — running your fingers through every nook and cranny under a hand dryer. This will help make sure hands are completely moisture-free and clear of bacteria.
Perhaps obviously, the so-called 'drip-dry dodger' — who doesn't bother to dry their hands at all — ranks at the polar opposite end of the scale.
Which one are you...?
Dr Webber, said: 'Bacteria thrives on damp surfaces, hands included.
'The pandemic has focused attention on the correct way to wash our hands with published guidance from the WHO, CDC, and NHS.
'However, there has been no such guidance on the correct procedures to dry hands which are equally important.'
He added: 'Not drying hands properly could be less hygienic than not washing them at all.
'Research demonstrated that the transfer of bacteria was directly related to the time and effectiveness of hand drying, the transfer of bacteria progressively decreased as water was removed.'
But, chances are, you have barely given a second's thought about how to dry them.
According to one expert, a Microbiologist of 50 years standing.. not drying your hands after a trip to the toilet can actually be even worse than not washing them at all.
Dr David Webber, a microbiologist with 50 years' experience, including at University College of Swansea, claimed people who do not properly dry their hands could be described as 'anti-social'.
Bacteria such as E. coli thrive on damp surfaces, including hands. Previous research has suggested 85 per cent of microbes spread by people contaminating surfaces occur when hands are still moist.
As part of his quest to improve public hygiene, Dr Webber has now ranked eight of the world's most popular hand drying methods from best to worst.
At the top comes 'the surgeon' — running your fingers through every nook and cranny under a hand dryer. This will help make sure hands are completely moisture-free and clear of bacteria.
Perhaps obviously, the so-called 'drip-dry dodger' — who doesn't bother to dry their hands at all — ranks at the polar opposite end of the scale.
Which one are you...?
Dr Webber, said: 'Bacteria thrives on damp surfaces, hands included.
'The pandemic has focused attention on the correct way to wash our hands with published guidance from the WHO, CDC, and NHS.
'However, there has been no such guidance on the correct procedures to dry hands which are equally important.'
He added: 'Not drying hands properly could be less hygienic than not washing them at all.
'Research demonstrated that the transfer of bacteria was directly related to the time and effectiveness of hand drying, the transfer of bacteria progressively decreased as water was removed.'
