Overview
- A YouGov survey for dpa finds 62% in Germany washed hands more often during the pandemic, with 32% keeping that frequency, 28% still washing more than before, and 38% returning to pre‑pandemic levels (n=2,023; Oct 10–13).
- Proper technique centers on soap and running water, thorough friction across palms, backs, fingertips, thumbs, and nails, and quick drying; water temperature is largely irrelevant.
- Timing guidance differentiates 20 seconds for the soaping step from the WHO’s 40–60 seconds for the full wash cycle from wetting to complete drying.
- Evidence summarized in reporting links correct handwashing to roughly 20% fewer colds and up to 40% fewer diarrheal illnesses, with larger benefits for children and up to 60% fewer diarrheal diseases in immunocompromised people, potentially lowering antibiotic use.
- UNESCO notes about half the world faces seasonal water scarcity, over two billion lack safe drinking water, and 3.5 billion lack safely managed sanitation, prompting the Global Handwashing Partnership to highlight pragmatic alternatives like reused soapy water, ash, or water-only when soap is unavailable; antibacterial soaps offer no added benefit for healthy users, the BfR says.