Matters at hand: No soap, little hope.

Many of you that have visited a swanky late night bar will have probably encountered the phrase “No soap, no hope!” – a popular term used by the rather jovial toilet attendant to remind you to wash your hands by either; using the washroom’s own soap dispenser (likely to be empty) or the soap bottle provided by the toilet attendant (conveniently full and suspiciously ready to use!).

The means of drying your hands after you wash them will also be manipulated in a way that suits the toilet attendant – the paper towel dispenser or hand dryer is likely to be out of order, leaving you with no real choice but to dry your hands using the towels provided by the attendant – unless you dry your hands on your crisp white shirt. Unlikely.

Many people find the whole experience uncomfortable. In this scenario, you are put under pressure to give this jolly old soul some sort of gratuity for actually providing something that you should always have free access to in the first place!

Whilst this common phrase does carry some negative connotation, the actual words chanted by our noisy friend, “No soap, no hope” can be considered quite accurate – it reinforces the importance of soap and washing your hands and the role they both play in our daily lives and how much they contribute towards public health and hygiene.

No soap. No protection from bacteria. No friends.

It has been estimated that up to 80% of all infectious diseases are transmitted through touch. Washing hands regularly with soap, specifically after going to the toilet, will help to prevent the spread of infection. Go to the toilet without washing your hands, and the chances that somebody’s health will not be affected in some way stand little hope. More to the point, who honestly wants to be friends with someone who doesn’t wash their hands after visiting the toilets anyway? Certainly not me, I don’t want to shake somebody’s hand that may have urine on it! No thanks, I’ll just smile and put my hand up!

Street credit = Little hope.

Experts have predicted that washing your hands effectively with hot water and soap should take you about the same time it takes to sing a single verse of “Happy Birthday”. This should give you confidence that any germs on your hands are destroyed.

So instead of destroying your reputation, destroy germs using simple, but effective hand hygiene tips;

When to wash your hands

Before: 

• Brushing your teeth.
• Eating.
• Preparing food (Wear sanitized, latex gloves if possible).
• Assisting a person that is unwell (or a patient in hospital).
• Anything that involves putting your hand to your mouth.
• Using contact lenses.

After:

• Visiting the bathroom.
• Preparing food (especially raw meat and fish).
• Changing nappies.
• Touching high-traffic surfaces with your hand (Manual Doors, Lift buttons, Stair railings etc).
• Assisting a sick person (or patient in hospital).
• Blowing your nose/Sneezing and coughing with your hand covering mouth.
• Touching an animal.
• Handling waste.

Hands, soap and warm water

Now, this blog won’t give you directions on exactly how to wash your hands, as it’s quite simple. All you’ll need is your hands, some soap, warm water and a method of drying them. What this blog does do however is give you some ‘handy’ advice;

The next time you hear the words “No Soap, no hope”, don’t ignore the attendant, wash your hands, and protect yourself and others!

Explore the unique Sanitex® MVP range of skin care dispensers and refills here that will help you to keep your hands clean (as well as keeping your friends!).