Importance

• According to the Mayo Clinic, it is much easier for wet hands to transfer bacteria and pathogens from one surface or person to the next, increasing the spread of bacteria and disease. Drying the hands removes dirt and germs, eliminating the spread of germs.
  
  

Considerations

• Rings or bracelets that get wet while washing the hands should be dried, as well. Jewelry also harbors water and bacteria, thus promoting the spread of it. Keep anything on or near your hands clean and dry at all times.
  
  

Methods

• The best way to dry hands is with a clean, dry towel or by holding them under a hot air dryer. Reusing the same hand-washing towel over and over causes the towel to harbor bacteria through water build-up, making it a breeding ground for new diseases and viruses that are transferred from one set of hands to the next.