SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/health-handwashing-water-temp

Does hand-washing water need to be warm to remove germs?

No. Warm and cold water remove the same number of germs.

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  1. No, warm or cold works the same ✔
  2. Yes, it must be at least 100 degrees F
  3. Yes, as hot as you can stand

Why: CDC says warm and cold water remove the same number of germs from your hands. Use whatever temperature you like, with soap and a good scrub.

Huh, didn't know that: Water would have to be hot enough to scald your hands to kill germs, so soap and scrubbing do the work.

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How many bones are in the human hand? A handful of them.
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References

Answer: No, warm or cold works the same. CDC says warm and cold water remove the same number of germs from your hands. Use whatever temperature you like, with soap and a good scrub.

  1. CDC Clean Hands Frequently Asked Questions www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/faq/index.html
    Warm and cold water remove the same number of germs from your hands.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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