New photos reveal what your hands look like if you don't wash them after going to the toilet

A particular video clip has gone viral, here is why. On the Mean Girls podcast, Jordyn Woodruff and Alex Bennet debated the value of washing their hands after using the bathroom. Both admit they don't wash their hands and think washing your hands 'has no effect.' But their words are not supported by science.

'I don't trust people who wash their hands'

It was thought that after a long and painful health crisis, hand-washing after using the toilet would be widely accepted. It is unfortunately not the case. According to Business Insider India, in 2019, one third of Americans admitted they did not wash their hands after going to the toilet.

And this tragic habit seems to be an international one: in a recent podcast, American influencers Jordyn Woodruff and Alex Bennet proudly stated their non-use of soap. Alex Bennett said:

I don't trust people who wash their hands because, number one, I don't think it has any effect.

No effect, really?

Read more:Wash your hands with cold water? Find out if it is really that effective

The harsh reality of the UV lamp

While the clip has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, reactions were very mixed. Many Internet users shared their disgust and disappointment.

Others revealed they didn't wash their hands either, and also felt that it wasn't necessary.

The Daily Mail published a series of photos showing a hand lit with a UV lamp before and after being washed. In the article, we can read:

I first rinsed my hands under warm water for six seconds without soap – the average length of time people spend washing their hands. This barely removed any ‘germs’.

I then tried again using soap for about six seconds, and about half of the ‘germs’ lingered. A quick wash does not suffice.

Next up was 15 seconds with soap – about the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. Almost all of the ‘germs’ had been removed, apart from small traces. Only after 30 seconds of washing were my hands completely spotless.

Washing your hands is therefore very important, but not only because you have touched your private parts: the bathroom is a place where germs have a field trip and the simple fact of touching the toilet, the walls, the sink, or the door handle, is enough to contaminate you.

In conclusion, wash your hands. Wash your hands every time. And feel free to share this article with your family, friends or colleagues who tend to forget that a little bit of soap is always welcome.

This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Read more:Here are three mistakes we all make while showering!

Sources used:

BFMTV: Les français manquent-ils d'hygiène? 1 sur 3 ne se lave pas les mains après être allé aux toilettes

Daily Mail: The photographic proof you DO have to wash your hands after going to the loo after US social media personality Jordyn Woodruff claimed the hygienic habit was unnecessary

Business Insider India: One-third of Americans admit that they don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. Here's why you should.