The way most people wash their hands is almost completely ineffective, the Huffington Post reported.

A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Health said only five percent of people wash their hands correctly, meaning for 15 to 20 seconds, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said is necessary for killing bacteria.

The study looked at 3,749 people who frequented public restrooms, especially in restaurants and bars. A group of college students observed their hand washing techniques after using the bathroom.

The average person washed their hands for only about six seconds. An unexpected 33 percent of participants didn't even use soap, ten percent didn't wash at all.

The study found men were much less likely to wash up than women, 15 percent of men and seven percent of woman. Only 50 percent of men and 70 percent of women used soap.

"These findings were surprising to us because past research suggested that proper hand washing is occurring at a much higher rate," said study researcher Carl Borchgrevink, an associate professor of hospitality business at Michigan State University.

The study found that if the sink was dirty people were less likely to wash up, if there was a sign asking people to wash their hands they were more likely to do so.

Another recent study published in the journal Human Communication Research found men are more likely to wash their hands after using the bathroom if they are confronted with a sign reminding them to do so.

According to the CDC,  the best way to wash your hands is to wet them with clean water, work soap into a lather, and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

"Imagine you're a business owner and people come to your establishment and get foodborne illness through the fecal-oral route -- because people didn't wash their hands -- and then your reputation is on the line. You could lose your business," said Borchgrevink, according to U.S News via Health Day.