BOSTON -- When it comes to keeping our mitts clean, it seems Bostonians don't do a very good job, according to a survey of 25 major cities.

The honor of best hand washers goes to Miami, according to results of the survey done by Dial soap makers and the Soap and Detergent Association.

Winners were based on results compiled in the "Cleanest Hands in America" survey, which asked participants hygiene questions such as how often they wash their hands after blowing their noses and taking out the garbage.

According to the survey, 30 percent of Miamians always wash their hands after blowing their nose, compared to only 13 percent in San Francisco. Forty-nine percent of Miamians always wash their hands after taking out the garbage, compared to 30 percent in Denver.

Overall, Denver scored the lowest, with Portland and Philadelphia close behind. Los Angeles finished second, with Phoenix, Washington D.C. and New York City rounding out the middle. Boston ranked 21st out of 25 cities.

The "Cleanest Hands in America" survey was conducted in conjunction with National Clean Hands Week, which takes place September 16 to 22.

National Clean Hands Week brings attention to the importance of proper hand hygiene and spreads the message that "clean hands save lives."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proper hand-washing is the single most important thing individuals can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others.