Does hot water kill germs?
Sixty Second Science
If washing your hands in cold water kills as many germs as warm, why use warm water?
​
First, it produces a better soapy lather that lifts bacteria up and away.
Second, warm water just feels better on your skin (some scientific evidence suggests a relationship to hot and cold receptors). Warm water relaxes muscles and soothes the body and mind.
Remember, twenty seconds is the minimum hand-washing time so you’re more likely to run out the clock in warm pleasure rather than cold discomfort.
​
Scientifically, my dad knew that cold or warm made no difference. But to instill healthy habits in his children, he knew that appealing to sensations made all the difference in the world
To influence others, data alone isn't enough. The pen is mightier than the statistic.
Storytelling for Scientists teaches the skill and art of changing public perception through non-fiction stories. Read more...