Why is warm water beneficial for handwashing?
- Effective against grease and dirt
Warm water, at around 40°C (104°F), helps dissolve grease and oily residues that can trap microbes on the skin. This temperature is ideal for effectively removing everyday grime. - Boosts soap performance
Soaps, whether liquid or solid, work better at a warm or mild temperature. Water at 40°C enhances their ability to capture and remove bacteria and viruses from the skin. - Comfort for thorough washing
Warm water feels more comfortable than cold water, encouraging people to wash their hands for longer. A handwashing duration of at least 20 seconds is crucial for good hygiene, and the comfort of warm water plays a psychological role in promoting this practice.
Debunking misconceptions: Why warm water is not a problem
Some claim that warm water could be less hygienic or might encourage bacterial growth under certain conditions. However, these arguments don’t hold up for several reasons:
- Washing at 40°C is safe and effective: Systems like ours are designed to heat water to this temperature, which is sufficient to enhance cleaning without reaching unnecessary or harmful levels.
- Natural summer heat: In summer, the water in a jerrycan can easily exceed 40°C just from sunlight. If this level of warmth posed a genuine risk, it would have long been recognized as a problem, which it hasn’t.
- Simple maintenance for optimal hygiene: By incorporating basic maintenance steps, such as using chlorine tablets regularly, the interior of the jerrycan can be disinfected effectively, eliminating any risk of bacterial growth.
Essential hygiene practices for warm water handwashing systems
- Handwashing at the right temperature
Water at 40°C is ideal for cleaning hands effectively, providing both comfort and efficiency against germs. - Regular system maintenance
To ensure perfect hygiene, it’s recommended to add a chlorine tablet or another disinfectant to the jerrycan once a month. This simple step prevents bacterial growth in standing water. - Frequent water replacement
Regularly emptying and refilling the jerrycan is crucial, especially during summer, to avoid any risk of contamination.
Conclusion: Combining efficiency with simplicity
Using warm water at 40°C for handwashing is a simple, effective, and hygienic solution, particularly suited to autonomous washing systems. With regular maintenance and basic hygiene practices, such systems guarantee optimal cleanliness while providing the comfort of a pleasant and effective handwashing experience. Contrary to popular misconceptions, properly used warm water is a true asset for everyday hygiene.