Step-by-Step Handwashing Procedures

There are proper techniques when it comes to washing your hands.

Throughout the day your hands can come in contact with many different things. The surfaces and objects that you touch may harbor dirt or bacteria that can make you or the people you care for ill. Washing your hands is particularly important if you handle food or kitchen objects used to feed other people. Proper hand washing can be done by knowing a few simple techniques, and can help you easily beat dirt and bacteria.

Things You'll Need

• Bar of soap
• Warm water
• Sink

Instructions

1. Turn the faucet on with the water set to warm. This can be as warm as is comfortable for you.

2. Put your hands under the water for several seconds and remove them.

3. Pick up the bar of soap and rub it against your hands until they are covered with the soap.

4. Put the soap back down and continue to lather the soap on your hands, scrubbing all surfaces. Continue this for 15 to 20 seconds.

5. Put hands under warm water again and rinse all of the soap off by rubbing hands together.

Tips & Warnings

• Chemically, soap is activated by water and will not work as well without it.

• Be sure the scrub commonly missed areas, such as the back of the hands and the thumbs.

• Do not use hot water that may burn you. Warm water will work just as well.

References

• Center for Disease Control: Wash Your Hands
• MayoClinic: Hand washing: Do's and Don'ts