Washing your hands with hot water is pointless

Washing your hands in hot water may be utterly pointless as scientists say cold water is just as effective to kill germs.

Experts in the US tested 20 people with different water temperatures and they found that hands washed in temperatures of 15 degrees were just as clean as those washed in temperatures of 38 degrees.

The volunteers washed their hands – that were covered in harmless bugs – exactly 20 times each, using varying amounts of soap.

Researchers found that there was no difference in the amount of bugs removed as the temperature of the water or the amount of soap changed.

Scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick said their findings could now help cut electricity bills in restaurants, where water in bathrooms is often permanently heated.

Professor Donald Schaffner said: “People need to feel comfortable when they are washing their hands but as far as effectiveness [goes], this study shows us that the temperature of the water used did not matter.”

MORE: What Is the Right Way to Wash Your Hands?
MORE: You’ve been washing your hands all wrong

The researchers said more work is needed to determine the best ways to remove harmful bacteria due to the relatively small size of their study.

NHS advice states that people should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds in either hot or cold water, using enough soap to cover the surface of both hands.

Top pic: Rex