Not drying your hands can be worse than not washing them at all, experts claim.

For the last two years, the importance of hand washing has been constantly reminded due to Covid.

However, you almost never thought twice about how to dry them.

But not drying your hands after using the bathroom can be even worse than not washing them at all, according to one expert.

Dr. David Webber, also a microbiologist with 50 years of experience at University College Swansea, said people who don’t dry their hands properly could be described as “antisocial.”

Bacteria such as E. coli thrive on moist surfaces, including hands. Previous research has suggested that 85% of human-made germs that contaminate surfaces arise when hands are still wet.

As part of his quest to improve public hygiene, Dr. Webber now ranks eight of the world’s most popular hand drying methods, from best to worst.

At the top comes the ‘surgeon’: run your fingers under a hand dryer in every corner. This ensures that your hands are completely free of moisture and bacteria.

Maybe it’s obvious that at the other end of the ladder is the “dripping excavator” – which doesn’t bother wiping his hands at all.

Dr. “Bacteria thrive on damp surfaces, including on the hands,” said Webber, who works with Airdri, a towel company.

“The outbreak has highlighted proper hand washing with guidelines published by the WHO, CDC and NHS.

“However, there are no such guidelines on equally important correct hand drying procedures.”

“Not drying your hands well can be less hygienic than not washing them at all.

“Research showed that bacterial transfer was directly related to the duration and effectiveness of hand drying, with decreasing bacterial transfer as the water was withdrawn.”

After the surgical method, Dr. Webber states that the best way to dry is to wring your hands under a dryer, using the extra friction to get rid of water droplets.

Shaking hands to remove moisture before using the dryer is also effective.

However, you can see the drips scattered all over the bathroom, potentially spreading bacteria to all four corners, so people are advised to make sure they clean it in a sink.

The fourth most effective drying method is the use of paper towels, but Dr. Webber warned that this could be wasteful and harmful to the environment.

By the way, using toilet paper instead of paper towels was considered unsanitary as it left small pieces of dirty paper on the hands.

Likewise, removing the last bit of moisture from your pants or skirt after they’ve dried can absorb bacteria from your clothing, defeating the purpose of hand washing.

People who use some residual moisture to style their hair are also at risk of catching germs from their scalp, including acne-causing bacteria.

Dr. Webber warned that this could also transfer E. coli, which causes food poisoning, diarrhea and urinary tract infections, from the head to the hands.

Finally, it’s worst to avoid hand washing (drip-dry circumvention), which allows wet hands to transmit viruses and bacteria to all surfaces they come into contact with.

It’s best not to wash your hands hygienically, said Dr. tree

CDC handwashing guide follows WHO guidelines with 11 detailed steps including the technique to use to make sure every part of your hands are clean (pictured are WHO guidelines)

“The ultimate goal of hand washing and drying is to get out of the bathroom with clean and dry hands.

“Whether you’re a surgeon or a bore and you have to put in the time and effort to achieve that, you’re probably infuriating other bathroom users who expect to use sinks and dryers.”

The mixer and grinder can also start with clean and dry hands, preventing microbial contamination from infecting the skin on surfaces they come into contact with, but providing hygienic and environmental effects respectively.

‘Other users, especially the drip dryer, are leaving the bathroom with very dry hands.

“Drying styles can be labeled as unhealthy or even antisocial.”

The NHS recommends Brits wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, which is the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.

Before applying soap, people are told to wet their hands, rub them together, wipe them between their fingers, and rub them into their palms.

Healthcare also recommends drying your hands completely with a disposable towel and using the towel to turn off the faucet.