How to Properly Wash Your Hands
Proper handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from illness. By washing your hands correctly, you reduce the spread of germs and viruses that can lead to sickness. Teaching children good handwashing habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy practices.
When to Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands should be frequent throughout the day. Many people underestimate how often their hands come into contact with germs. Here are the key moments when handwashing is most crucial:
- After using the bathroom
- After blowing your nose
- After sneezing into your hands (opt to sneeze into your elbow instead)
- After handling pets or cleaning up after animals
- Before and after cooking
- After handling raw meat
- Before and after eating
- After taking out the trash
- After gardening or yard work
- When hands are visibly dirty
- After changing a diaper
- After caring for a sick person
- Before and after treating wounds
- After handling shared items (e.g., money, mail, or packages)
- After taking public transportation
How to Wash Your Hands Properly
Effective handwashing involves more than just a quick rinse. Follow these steps to ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned:
- Wet Your Hands: Use clean, running water (warm or cold) to wet your hands. Avoid hot water, as it can irritate and dry out your skin.
- Apply Soap: Use a mild, fragrance-free soap to avoid skin irritation.
- Lather and Scrub: Rub your hands together to create a lather. Make sure to clean all parts of your hands:
- Palms
- Back of hands
- Between fingers
- Under nails
- Wrists
- Scrub for 20 Seconds: Sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice to time yourself. Don’t rush this step.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use running water to rinse off all the soap and germs.
- Dry Your Hands: Pat your hands dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Avoid rubbing your hands vigorously to prevent dryness.
Tips for Encouraging Kids to Wash Hands
- Use fun, colorful soaps or handwashing songs to make it enjoyable.
- Provide each child with a unique color or print towel to keep things organized and hygienic.
- Lead by example—kids are likelier to adopt habits they see adults practicing.
Preventing Dry Skin from Frequent Handwashing
Washing your hands often can lead to dry and cracked skin. Here are tips to keep your hands moisturized and healthy:
- Pat Dry Instead of Rubbing: This reduces irritation and retains some moisture.
- Apply Hand Cream: Use a fragrance-free, non-irritating hand cream after drying your hands.
- Overnight Repair: Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or hand ointment for severely dry or cracked hands, and wear clean cotton gloves overnight.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Additional Hand Hygiene Tips
- Use Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. However, handwashing is more effective at removing certain germs.
- Change Towels Regularly: During cold and flu season, assign each family member a towel and wash them frequently.
- Clean Common Surfaces: Regularly disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch areas.
The Importance of Handwashing
Proper handwashing is a powerful tool for preventing illnesses like colds, flu, and stomach bugs. It’s a simple habit with a big impact on your health and the health of those around you. By incorporating these steps into your daily routine and teaching them to your family, you can create a healthier environment for everyone.
