MYTH BUSTED

Yes, handling wet material greatly increases the chances of picking up dirt and debris because water acts as a binder, making it easier for particles to adhere to surfaces like skin or a rag. This is why wet cloths are good for dusting—they trap particles instead of just moving them around—and why wet hands are more likely to transfer germs. Conversely, a dry hand or dry cloth may just smear dirt or push it around.
Why wet materials pick up dirt
Water is a binder: Water's polar molecules can attract and hold onto other particles, such as dust and microbes, that are also charged or polar.
Enhanced adhesion: The moisture creates a sticky layer that helps particles adhere to the surface of the hand or cloth, unlike a dry surface where dirt can be more easily displaced.
Germ transfer: Wet hands are more prone to both transferring and picking up germs compared to dry hands. This is why drying hands thoroughly after washing is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria