Steps for Proper Hand Washing with AMH

Washing your hands properly can help prevent the spread of germs

Hand washing with antimicrobial hand wash (AMH) entails using a basic and proper hand washing technique using antimicrobial hand wash instead of a regular soap. Antimicrobial soap is mostly used by lab technicians and health care professionals, but anyone can purchase and use it. Combining a proper hand washing technique with antimicrobial hand wash ensures that all germs and bacteria on hands are properly killed, reducing the chance of illness. This is especially important in winter, when flu and other bugs can cause lost school and work days due to illness.

Things You'll Need

• Antimicrobial soap

Instructions

1. Turn on your faucet and wet your hands thoroughly with the water. The water can be either hot or cold.

2. Apply antimicrobial soap to your hands.

3. Rub soaped hands together vigorously to create a thick lather.

4. Scrub hands with antimicrobial lather, making sure to get between fingers, underneath fingernails and the backs of hands. Continue this for at least 20 seconds.

5. Rinse hands thoroughly with more running water from the faucet.

6. Dry hands using a clean towel, paper towel or hand dryer. You can also air dry your hands if time permits.

Tips & Warnings

• If you aren't sure how long 20 seconds is and don't have a timer handy, try humming or singing "Happy Birthday" two times in a row. This will take you approximately 20 seconds.

• Drying your hands by rubbing them against clothes may be quick, but it can also negate all the work you just did properly sanitizing your hands. Any bacteria or germs on your clothes will now be transferred to your hands, and they will no longer be clean.

References

• Science Lab: Antimicrobial Handwash
• Mayo Clinic: How to Wash Your Hands
• Centers for Disease Control: Handwashing