How to Wash Your Hands Properly

How to Wash Your Hands Properly: The Key to Effective Hygiene

We’ve all been told to wash our hands. But do you know if you're washing them properly? With the right technique, handwashing can help you stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs.

Step 1: Wet Your Hands with Clean, Running Water
Start by turning on the tap and wetting your hands with clean, running water—whether it’s warm or cold. Avoid using water that’s too hot, as it can dry out your skin, especially with frequent handwashing.

Step 2: Apply Soap
Next, apply a generous amount of soap to your hands. (Psst – did you know you can take hand soap on-the-go with EarthSuds Hand Soap? It’s a convenient way to make sure you can stay squeaky clean anywhere!)

Step 3: Scrub for 20 Seconds
Now comes the most important part: scrubbing! You want to lather your hands thoroughly, ensuring that the soap covers all surfaces. Make sure you are getting each part of your hand:

1. Palms: Rub your palms together to create a good lather.
2. Backs of Your Hands: Rub the backs of your hands with the opposite palm, making sure you clean the top of your hands.
3. Between Your Fingers: Interlace your fingers and rub them together to clean the areas between your fingers.
4. Under Your Nails: Make sure to scrub under your nails and around the nail beds, where germs and dirt often accumulate. You can use a nail brush or just your fingertips to clean these areas.
5. Wrists: Don’t forget to wash your wrists, where germs can linger as well.

Remember to scrub for at least 20 seconds—about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. This ensures that you remove dirt, oil, and germs effectively.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve scrubbed for 20 seconds, rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Make sure to wash away all the soap from your hands. Leaving soap residue behind can cause skin irritation and may still carry germs.

Step 5: Dry Your Hands
The final step is to dry your hands properly. Use a clean towel, paper towel, or hand dryer to dry them completely. Avoid touching the faucet with your clean hands (use a paper towel to turn it off if you’re in a public restroom) to prevent re-contaminating them. Proper drying is essential because germs can transfer more easily to wet or damp hands.