Smart Tips on How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Washing your hands properly is one of the best ways you can do to prevent the spread of disease-causing germs and avoid getting sick. Unfortunately, not all people know the proper way to wash their hands. They do not even have the habit of washing their hands when it matters.

Proper Hand Washing Steps

Actually, there are steps that you have to take to ensure that you are properly washing your hands. Not many individuals know this, so here are the steps for proper handwashing:

• Put your hands over clean, running water to wet them.
• Once they are thoroughly wet, apply soap to them. If you are using liquid or powder soap, pour a good amount on a cupped hand. If you are using bar soap, rub both your hands on its surface until you get a good amount.
• You have to lather well by rubbing your hands vigorously for no less than 20 seconds. Make sure to scrub all surfaces including the wrists, in between the fingers, the back of each hand, and under every fingernail.
• Rinse thoroughly until there is no soap left.
• Use a clean cloth, clean paper towel, or air dryer to dry your hands.
• Use the cloth or paper towel or tissue to turn the faucet off. The surface of the faucet is already dirty and using any of the mentioned items will prevent the germ from getting back to your already clean hands.

Is Using a Sanitizer Enough?

You may use a sanitizer if your hand is not visibly dirty and if there is no soap and water available to you. An alcohol-based sanitizer is best. Alcohol content must be at least 60%.

Pour a good amount of sanitizer on your hands, enough to wet them fully. Rub your hands together, scrubbing all surfaces until they dry out.

Situations When You Should Be Washing Your Hands

Make hand washing a habit, especially in these situations:

• before eating
• before handling a baby
• before inserting your contact lenses
• after coughing or blowing your nose
• after touching an animal, its feeds or waste
• after changing diapers
• after using the toilet
• after blowing your nose
• after touching or throwing trash
• before and after preparing meals
• before and after caring for an ill person
• before and after treating wounds

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