🧼 What Have Morecambe and Wise Got to Do with Hygiene?
In the classic 1971 Morecambe and Wise Christmas show, Eric Morecambe famously told conductor André Previn:
“I’m playing all the right notes—but not necessarily in the right order.”
Believe it or not, that’s a perfect metaphor for how many of us approach hygiene.
🎯 The Right Habits… in the Wrong Order?
A study by the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH) found that while people generally know what hygiene practices are important, they often don’t apply them at the right time. And when it comes to stopping the spread of harmful germs, timing is everything.
🕒 Why “When” Matters More Than “How Often”
You might think, “I wash my hands regularly—surely that’s enough?” Not quite.
Example 1: The Burger Scenario
Some restaurants have a policy where staff wash their hands every 20 minutes. Sounds good, right? But what if someone handles raw beef burgers just after washing their hands—and doesn’t wash again until the next scheduled break? That’s 20 minutes of potential contamination.
Example 2: The Commute
You get home after a packed train ride, take off your coat and shoes, and head straight to the kitchen for a biscuit. Without washing your hands, you could be transferring germs from the train to your mouth—or even your eyes if you rub them.
🍽️ A Real-Life Example
During a food safety audit, a chef proudly told me:
“I always wash my hands before I go home.”
The problem? He’d spent two hours handling raw steaks and arranging salads—without washing his hands once. That’s not just bad hygiene—it’s a recipe for foodborne illness.
âś… Tiny Habit Checklist
Here’s a simple list to help you wash your hands at the right moments:
- 🧼 After handling raw meat – [meat germs]
- 🚽 After using the toilet – [poo germs]
- 🍽️ Before eating with your fingers – [germs from anywhere]
- 🏠When you come home – [germs from the outside]
🧠Make It Stick
Want to build better hygiene habits? Try these tips:
- 🗒️ Stick a post-it note on your front door or fridge.
- 🧪 Use visualisation: imagine the germs on your hands after handling raw chicken or after coming home from the shops or a commute.
🧬 Final Thought
Hygiene isn’t just about doing the right things—it’s about doing them at the right time. So next time you reach for a snack or prep dinner, think about Morecambe:
Make sure the “notes” of your hygiene routine are in the right order.
