Proper handwashing is an effective way to prevent the spread of germs and disease. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends following these five steps to wash your hands properly:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. To use hand sanitizer, apply the gel product to the palm of one hand and rub your hands together, making sure to rub the product all over the surfaces of both your hands and between your fingers. Rub for about 25 to 30 seconds until your hands are dry.
It is important to note that hand sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs, and washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. Additionally, hand sanitizers with lower alcohol levels are not as effective in killing germs.
To summarize, the steps of handwashing are:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather your hands.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
