We all heard it, "wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds to get rid of any viruses and bacteria on your hands". That sentence is usually followed by, "That's the same amount of time as singing Happy Birthday twice". We're here to tell you that you don't need to lose your mind singing the same 10 second song everytime you need to wash your hands. You have options, and they happen to be catchy.
Before we get to the songs though, why does one need to wash their hands for 20 seconds? Well, the current hot topic of our time, viruses, have a fatty layer that keeps all their lame virus stuff together. This protects them from being washed away by water because fat of any kind and water don't mix.
This all changes when soap is added into the mix! Simply put, soap makes fat (e.g. oil, butter, dumb outer virus walls) and water stick to each other. This literally pulls apart the virus and gets that good for nothing thing outta here! The whole catch is that the effect can only take place in around 20 seconds.
So, what songs can you wash your hands to that won't endlessly remind you that you're aging? We got a quick list for you!
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
This oldie but goodie can put anyone at ease. Which is great, cause there are so many worried people out there. If you sing the first two sentences of the song, with the same chilled out pace as the late Bob himself, you'll arrive at 20 seconds of handwashing with ease.
The lyrics:
Don't worry, about a thing
'Cause every little thing, gonna be alright
Singing' don't worry, about a thing
'Cause every little thing, gonna be alright
Ed Sheeran - Shape of you
If you sing the chorus you are easily reaching over 20 seconds. It's a catchy song so you might even sing the rest even when you're done washing your hands!
Here are the lyrics:
I'm in love with the shape of you
We push and pull like a magnet do
Although my heart is falling too
I'm in love with your body
And last night you were in my room
And now my bedsheets smell like you
Every day discovering something brand new
I'm in love with your body
Billie Eilish, Khalid - Lovely
If you're hardcore "social distancing" and it's starting to get to you. You can always sing this song. It's a little somber, but it's still way better than singing "Happy Birthday" a million times a day while you slowly lose your mind staring in the mirror contemplating how many times a day you need to wash your hands… So you can find the lyrics below!
Le lyrics:
Oh, I hope someday I'll make it out of here
Even if it takes all night or a hundred years
Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near
Wanna feel alive, outside I can fight my fear
If you're not sure on how to wash your hands properly you can see a picture on how you can effectively do that to some song lyrics.
For the time between washing your hands; conference call some people, listen to our mixcloud mixes, or even pick up that hobby that you never have time for if you're stuck at home anyway. Stay safe, stay at home and keep up the good vibes while trying to make the best out of the current situation.
Here are a list of our sources on the matter.
Sources:
W.H.O Basic Advice against the Coronavirus
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
How Soap Kills the Coronavirus
CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html