How to Properly Wash Your hands

The Number One way to reduce the spread of germs from one person to another is to wash your hands properly.

This article will show you the correct way to hand washing, hand hygiene and standard precautions that are utilized in all hospitals and clinics.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Always use soap, either liquid or foam. These are the best forms of soap because they are not exposed to the air for germs to settle on and multiply like with bar soap.
2. Wash your hands for a minimum of 15 to 20 seconds. A good way to ensure that it's an adequate amount of time is to hum the "Happy Birthday" tune twice (two verses take approximately 15 seconds).
3. Do not forget to wash under the cuticles, the fingernails, between the fingers and on the back of the hands.
4. Make sure you use soap and lather it well and scrub your hands using a lot of friction for the minimum amount of time or more.
5. Rinse your hands well and dry them. It is better to use an electric hand dryer if one is available. This helps to reduce litter, helps the environment and saves paper and trees.
6. Try not to touch the faucets or handles of the bathroom doors with your clean hands, especially in public bathrooms. Use a paper towel to turn off faucets and touch door handles.
7. Use a hand sanitizer gel or germicidal hand gel to kill bacteria and germs. These are available in pocket sizes at local drugstores and are handy when you are not near a sink and water.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wash your hands properly after you use the bathroom
• Wash your hands before eating food or touching and preparing food.
• Always wash your hands before and after eating, drinking, putting on makeup or placing contact lenses into your eyes.
• This article is not a substitute for seeking medical attention with your own medical doctor or health care professional.