Handwashing is important for preventing the spread of germs and illnesses and has been shown to reduce the risk of infection from common illnesses such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin rashes.
Washing your hands regularly also helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause colds, flu, and other diseases.
Despite the importance of this practice, many of us typically fail to wash our hands correctly – there is a specific, recommended order, and this can make a real difference in the efficiency of your handwashing.
We took a closer look at the best steps to follow and put together all you need to know to keep yourself and those around you safe and hygienic.
Why Is Handwashing So Important?
Washing your hands (see also ‘What Are Airborne Precautions?‘) with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against the spread of disease.
This includes not only the common cold, but also more serious conditions like influenza, hepatitis A, and HIV/AIDS. It’s estimated that about 80% of infectious diseases are transmitted through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.
By washing your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and when changing diapers, you can help reduce the chances of spreading these potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Handwashing is also an easy way to cleanse your body of harmful substances. Many people use hand sanitizers instead of washing their hands because they don’t think it will be effective enough.
However, studies have found that regular handwashing is actually much more effective than using hand sanitizer.
In fact, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that handwashing with plain soap followed by rubbing alcohol was just as effective as antiseptic hand rubs in reducing the number of bacteria on the hands.
What Is The Correct Way To Wash Your Hands?
The correct way to wash your hands is as follows:
1. Wet Your Hands
The first step is to first wet your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water.
2. Add Soap And Scrub
You should then lather up your hands with soap, scrubbing vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
3. Rinse Your Hands
Then rinse your hands under running water until the soap runs clear.
4. Dry Properly
Finally, dry your hands well with a towel. If you’re concerned about germs, you can also add some antibacterial dish soap to your hand wash.
It’s generally recommended that you wash your hands every time you come into contact with something dirty or contaminated. That means if you touch a door handle, you should wash your hands immediately.
If you touch food, you should wash your fingers and palms, and then your hands – this is particularly important if you are handling potential contaminants such as raw meat.
If you work in a healthcare setting, you may want to wash your hands even more often. Healthcare workers are especially susceptible to catching dangerous germs because they spend so much time around sick patients.
They should wash their hands frequently throughout the day, including before and after each patient interaction.
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Washing Their Hands?
There are several things that people commonly do wrong when washing their hands:
Using Cold Water
Cold water isn’t ideal for washing your hands because it doesn’t remove dirt effectively. Instead, you should always use hot water.
Hot water helps loosen dirt particles from your skin, which makes it easier to get rid of them, and also does a better job at removing unwanted bacteria from the skin.
Not Scrubbing Hard Enough
You should scrub your hands hard enough to feel a slight amount of friction between your fingertips and your palm. If you aren’t feeling any resistance, you probably need to scrub harder – this will lift any dirt or debris that is on your skin, and allow it to be removed with the water.
At the same time, however, you shouldn’t apply too much pressure while scrubbing your hands. You should focus on rubbing your hands together to remove dirt rather than simply pushing down on them.
Skipping The Soap
Another common mistake that many people make is skipping the soap, believing that water alone will do the job. While this might seem like a good idea, it won’t provide you with the best possible protection against germs.
Instead, you should always use soap when washing your hands. It removes dirt and other contaminants from your skin, making it less likely that you’ll pick up any infections.
Not Cleaning Between Your Fingers And Palms
When you’re washing your hands, you should pay special attention to the spaces between your fingers and your palms. These areas tend to accumulate dirt and grime, and they’re also the first place that bacteria tends to grow.
Not Rinsing Properly
Rinsing your hands thoroughly is another key step in proper hand hygiene. You should rinse your hands under running water until all traces of soap have been rinsed away. Then you should dry your hands using a clean towel.
Not Drying Properly
Dry hands properly by patting them gently with a paper towel, or by using a hand dryer. This will help prevent the spread of germs by reducing the number of places where bacteria can live.
Touching Your Face After Washings
Touching your face right after washing your hands is one of the most common mistakes people make. Doing so increases the risk of spreading germs to your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
Final Thoughts
Wash your hands regularly, and remember to follow these tips whenever you wash them. By doing so, you’ll reduce the chances that you’ll catch an infection, and you’ll keep yourself healthy as well.
Proper handwashing is an important element of staying safe during cold and flu season, though the benefits can also be enjoyed and appreciated all year round.