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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Turn down the heat — literally. Germany's Robert Koch Institute says cold water is just as effective as warm water for handwashing in healthcare settings, citing studies showing no difference in germ reduction. Bonus: cold water also cuts resource use and lowers the risk of Legionella contamination.
Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has updated its infection prevention guidance to confirm that cold water is sufficient for medical handwashing — a finding backed by both the WHO and the US CDC. Studies show no meaningful difference in germ reduction between cold (4°C) and warm (40°C) water when washing hands contaminated with E. coli, meaning healthcare facilities don't need to provide warm water at handwashing stations.
That said, warmer water may still have a role — not for hygiene, but for comfort. Some institutions, like Germany's Social Accident Insurance Institution for Health and Welfare Services, recommend lukewarm water to encourage better hand hygiene adherence among staff.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Hand hygiene is one of the most critical tools for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Clarifying that cold water is equally effective — while also being safer and more sustainable — could simplify facility design and reduce costs without compromising patient safety.
