Wrist watches must be removed before washing hands (2024)

FAQs

Wrist watches must be removed before washing hands? ›

If possible, remove rings and watches before you wash your hands, or ensure you move the rings to wash under them, as microorganisms can exist. Rinse well under running water and make sure all traces of soap are removed. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Infection control manuals in our healthcare trust and throughout the country include removing wrist watches and rolling up the sleeves as the first stage of hand washing.

This is because everyday household chemicals, including detergents and hand gels, can cause damage to precious metals and gemstones. Therefore, it's always a good idea to remove your rings, watch or bracelets before you wash or sanitise your hands.

We swab hands constantly. Some people don't realise that rings and watches can be major carriers of bacteria. None of the clinical staff is allowed to wear watches, dangly bracelets or rings, apart from plain wedding bands, because of the high risk of contamination.

For example, you can wear and use your Apple Watch during activities such as exercise (exposure to sweat is OK), walking in rain, and washing your hands. With Apple Watch Ultra, you can also participate in high-speed water sports and recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters.

It is strongly advisable not to shower with your watch on. Shampoo, soaps and other liquids are highly corrosive to a watch's delicate components and will wear it out much sooner. If you accidentally expose your watch to soap, you should rinse it off with fresh water and dry it as quickly as possible.

The following can affect the water resistance of your Apple Watch and should be avoided: Dropping Apple Watch or subjecting it to other impacts. Exposing Apple Watch to soap or soapy water (for example, while showering or bathing)

The study found that 85% were contaminated with the bacteria that causes staph infections, 60% had E. coli, and 30% carried the potentially deadly Pseudomonas.

Jewellery: Hand and arm jewellery hinder hand hygiene. Rings increase the number of microorganisms present on hands and increase the risk of tears in gloves. Arm jewellery, including watches, should be removed or pushed up above the wrist before performing hand hygiene.

Wrong Jewelry + Accessories - employees are not permitted to wear any jewelry - including but not limited to bracelets, watches, and other accessories - and can only wear plain metal rings.

Can I wash my hands with a water resistant watch? ›

If your watch is rated to 50 meters/5bar or less, it should only be subject to accidental splash; hand washing, dishes, etc. Never submerge it intentionally. If your watch is rated to 100 meters/10bar, it is suitable for surface swimming. If your watch is rated 200 meters/20bar, it is suitable for skin diving.

The items we suggest you'll need to clean your watch are a gentle soap (such as hand soap or dish soap), warm water, a bowl, a small, soft brush (such as a soft toothbrush), a protected cleaning area (such as over a layered towel), and a dry microfibre cloth.

If you keep ignoring the discomfort caused by wearing your watch all the time, it may eventually lead to quite unpleasant consequences, like carpal tunnel syndrome.

According to this rule, you should be wearing your watch on the left wrist if you are right-handed, and on the right wrist if you are left-handed. The reasoning behind this rule? First, it is easier to read the time on your watch whilst your dominant hand is doing other tasks, such as writing.

Your Apple Watch is water-resistant – not waterproof – and the full act of showering (specifically applying soaps, soapy water, and shampoo) can damage the device and negatively impact an Apple Watch's water resistance. Make sure to turn on the Water Lock feature on your Apple Watch before activities involving water.