Why handwashing matters

30 September 2026 ·Chong Tee Lim

As the world moves forward through unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have started to do our part by social distancing and improving our personal hygiene. One significant measure that governments and health officials have strongly advised is handwashing, but did you know that previous studies show only 5% of people wash their hands correctly? It may have taken a pandemic for many to realise its importance, but now is the time to make correct handwashing a frequent daily behaviour.

So, how does handwashing help? Handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and loved ones during this critical time. Regular hygiene keeps the community safe and free from germs that we may unknowingly spread. If we do not regularly wash our hands, germs from the surfaces of our hands can be transmitted into our bodies, making us sick. Additionally, we may transmit our own germs onto other objects, potentially spreading bacteria and viruses to others. We all have the capability to transmit diseases without even knowing it, and in today’s context, we can spread COVID-19 without having any symptoms.

Approximately 39% of people don’t wash their hands after sneezing, coughing or after blowing their nose

This is absolutely avoidable as long as we practice personal hygiene diligently.

About 7% of women and 15% of men don't wash their hands after using the bathroom.

Why soap? When we wash our hands, soap kills viruses and germs that may be on the surface of our skin. Viruses have a membrane called lipids, and soap makes the virus inactive by dissolving that layer. On a molecular level, soap helps breakdown and trap germs so they can be washed away with water. Therefore washing with soap is a must, not just rinsing with water. In cases where soap is unavailable, using hand sanitiser that has a minimum alcohol concentration of 60% is a way to ensure cleanliness. However, it is important to note that it will not be 100% effective and may only serve as a short-term barrier of defence.

Handwashing with soap and water is ultimately the best choice.

How handwashing with soap effectively destroys coronavirus and prevents the spread of infectious diseases

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/health/soap-coronavirus-handwashing-germs.html

How should I wash my hands?
Follow the steps below for proper technique, taking at least 30 seconds for steps 2-7:

When should I wash my hands?
This list is not exhaustive, but always wash hands:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before and after eating
Before and after caring for someone who is sick, or coming into contact with a sick individual
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the washroom
After changing diapers or cleaning a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, sneezing, and coughing
After handling animals, feed, or animal waste
After touching a dirty surface or trash

Most people only wash their hands for 6 seconds

A woman washing her hands thoroughly with clean water and soap to maintain good personal hygiene

So far, we've emphasized the importance of soap, but clean water is important too!

A glass of clean water that is retrieved from a tap and can be used for handwashing

Amidst this, we cannot forget about the communities that do not have access to clean water. We’ve been told repeatedly to wash our hands regularly with soap and clean water, but this is not possible for communities who do not have the privilege of free flowing clean water. Filtered water is not only needed for drinking, but also for sanitation, hygiene, and medical purposes. With multiple demands for the use of clean water, practicing this simple act may not be the highest priority for family deciding between dehydration or dirty hands.

Today, a Global Humanitarian Response Plan for COVID-19 has been launched by the United Nations, pledging a total of US$2 billion to help vulnerable communities around the world. Handled mainly by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UN-Habitat, and UNICEF, these agencies will be focusing on the provision of WASH facilities and services, as well as the continued sustainability of them. In a time where sanitation is highly stressed, it is vital for such responses to be carried out for those living in fragile settings.

This Plan is vital to ensure communities are educated on the importance of such a simple measure in disease prevention, but also so communities are provided with physical access to basic necessities so they do not have to decide between two important priorities.

The implementation of WASH measures means vulnerable communities will be less susceptible to outbreaks; this is extremely important where healthcare facilities and medical treatment are not easily accessible. During this time, we are offering a discount for our ROAMfilter™ Plus to help provide clean water access to an entire community for two years.

Two happy young boys who are enjoying clean drinking water from Wateroam's ROAMfilter Plus

If you know of a community or anyone in need of clean water during this difficult and trying period, please fill out the contact form below or visit the page here.

During this trying time, we hope that everyone can be socially responsible, work with one another and get through this together! Practice social distancing and always remember to wash your hands for at least 30 seconds, following the 7 steps as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Bury the germ, fight the virus. Stay home, stay safe!

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html
https://www.wateraid.org/us/
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/12/science-soap-kills-coronavirus-alcohol-based-disinfectants
https://globalhandwashing.org/about-handwashing/faqs/#do
https://www.ri.org/why-is-water-vital-for-containing-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
https://allportablesinks.com/blogs/news/17-handwashing-facts-and-statistics

Blog Author: Joey Lim
Chief Editor: Michelle Falcone

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