How important is it to dry my hands after I wash them?

Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.

Wet hands spread germs more easily than dry hands do. As a result, it's important to thoroughly dry your hands after washing.

Currently, it's unclear which method of hand drying is best. Whether you are using a paper towel or hand dryer, the key is to completely dry your hands. If you are at home, reusable towels are a practical option. Just be sure to change towels when they become visibly dirty.

However, avoid drying your hands on your clothes. If your clothing is dirty, it could contaminate your hands and lessen the benefits of hand washing.

With

Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.

May 15, 2021 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. 3 ways to get closer to achieving your goals
  2. Make healthy habits stick
  3. 5 do's and don'ts for staying motivated
  4. 3 ways to avoid secondhand smoke
  5. 7 signs and symptoms not to ignore
  6. Energy management
  7. After COVID-19 vaccination: Is it OK to visit with loved ones?
  8. Animal bites: Do you need a tetanus shot?
  9. Are you doing everything you can to stay healthy?
  10. Belching, intestinal gas, gas pains and bloating
  11. Bone health tips
  12. Can COVID-19 (coronavirus) spread through food, water, surfaces and pets?
  13. Cancer-prevention strategies
  14. Cellphones and cancer
  15. Colon cancer screening
  16. Coronavirus safety tips for going out
  17. COVID-19: How can I protect myself?
  18. Plastic surgery
  19. Herd immunity and coronavirus
  20. COVID-19 and holidays
  21. Long-term effects of COVID-19
  22. COVID-19 (coronavirus) travel advice
  23. How well do face masks protect against coronavirus?
  24. COVID-19 (coronavirus): Quarantine, self-isolation and social distancing
  25. Different COVID-19 vaccines
  26. Do adults need shots?
  27. Don't save leftover pain pills
  28. Exercise: Check with your doctor
  29. Find meaning in the small things
  30. Flu Shot Prevents Heart Attack
  31. Functional fitness training
  32. Overcome obstacles to your goals
  33. Healthy holiday habits: How to get back on track
  34. Hand-washing tips
  35. Healthy habits that boost happiness
  36. Healthy heart for life: Avoiding heart disease
  37. Heart attack prevention: Should I avoid secondhand smoke?
  38. Home Health Hazards
  39. Brown fat
  40. How social support spurs you
  41. Break the busy cycle
  42. How to take your pulse
  43. How to safely go to your doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic
  44. How to take your temperature
  45. How well do you wash your hands?
  46. Injury Season for Snow Blowers
  47. Investing in yourself
  48. Is antibacterial soap a do or a don't?
  49. Keep the focus on your long-term vision
  50. Liposuction alternatives
  51. Lost in Space
  52. Making progress towards your goals
  53. Mammogram guidelines: What are they?
  54. Make over your mindset to make time for your health
  55. Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong
  56. Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?
  57. Measles vaccine: Can I get the measles if I've already been vaccinated?
  58. Medical family tree
  59. Infographic: Organ Donation Donate Life
  60. Infographic: Paired Donation Chain
  61. Infographic: Pancreas Kidney Transplant
  62. Personal health records
  63. Personalize your wellness journey
  64. Stick to healthy-eating goals at social gatherings
  65. Posture: Align yourself for good health
  66. Posture check: Do you stand up straight?
  67. New Year's resolutions
  68. Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
  69. Secondhand smoke
  70. Creating a wellness vision
  71. Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
  72. Good posture tips
  73. Back exercises
  74. Proper lifting techniques
  75. Stop multitasking and focus
  76. Telemedicine online doctor visits
  77. Thirdhand smoke: What are the dangers?
  78. Want good health? Build a solid base
  79. The benefits of gratitude
  80. Video: Travel safely for medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic
  81. Travel Safety
  82. Triclosan
  83. Using if-then statements
  84. Vaccines for adults
  85. Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home
  86. What are superbugs?
  87. What are superbugs and how can I protect myself from infection?
  88. Air purifiers and smoke