A quick rinse before lunch. A little soap after a trip to the restroom. When you’re busy, it’s easy to rush through washing your hands without giving it much thought. But a few extra seconds matter. Knowing how to wash your hands can help reduce the spread of germs at home, at work and everywhere in between.
October 15th is Global Handwashing Day, a good reminder to check a habit most of us learned as children. Are you giving your hands the attention they need?
How to wash your hands in five steps
You don’t need special products or scalding water. Start with soap and clean, running water, then follow these steps:
- Wet your hands. Warm or cold water works. Turn off the faucet while you lather to save water.
- Add soap and lather. Rub your hands together. Cover your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Try setting a timer once. You may find that 20 seconds is longer than your usual wash.
- Rinse well. Hold your hands under clean, running water to wash away the soap.
- Dry your hands. Use a clean towel or an air dryer. Don’t skip this last step.
When should you wash your hands?
Bathroom breaks aren’t the only time to head to the sink. Make handwashing part of your routine:
- Before, during and after preparing food.
- Before eating.
- After using the restroom or changing a diaper.
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- After handling animals, pet food or animal waste.
- After touching garbage.
- Before and after caring for someone with vomiting or diarrhea.
- Before and after treating a cut or wound.
Germs can travel from your hands to food, shared surfaces and your eyes, nose or mouth. Washing at these times helps interrupt that spread.
Does hand sanitizer replace handwashing?
Hand sanitizer is useful when you can’t get to soap and water. Choose one with at least 60% alcohol.
Follow the label’s directions for how much to use. Rub it over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until dry. Avoid wiping it off before it dries.
If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, reach for soap and water. Sanitizer does not remove every type of germ, and soap and water work better against germs such as norovirus.
Do you need hot water or special soap?
No. Choose a comfortable water temperature and use plain bar or liquid soap. Both work well.
The part that deserves your attention is the scrub. Take the full 20 seconds and reach the spots that are easy to miss, especially between your fingers and under your nails.
Make it a family habit
Wash alongside your children so they can see each step. Try a timer to help everyone slow down, and keep soap and a clean towel within easy reach.
The next time you step up to the sink, take your time. It’s a small habit worth doing well. Try to wash or sanitize your hands before touching your face any time you’re outside the home.
Feeling under the weather? A visit to your West Tennessee Medical Group primary care provider can help you find the source of your symptoms and get on the road to feeling better! Find a WTMG provider.
Originally published on November 30, 2021
