Handwashing is a simple yet powerful way to prevent the spread of germs and stay healthy. It's especially important to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly to protect against COVID-19 and other illnesses. Here are the 10 steps of handwashing, broken down into a simple, easy-to-follow guide. Let's dive in!
Before You Start: When and Why to Wash Your Hands
Handwashing is crucial at specific times to ensure maximum effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands:
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Whenever they look or feel dirty
Step 1: Wet Your Hands
Start by wetting your hands with clean, running water - it can be warm or cold. Turn off the tap and apply soap.
Step 2: Apply Soap
Use soap that is either liquid or bar soap. If using a bar soap, be sure to store it in a soap dish that allows it to drain and dry after use.
Tip: Choose the Right Soap
Any soap will do, but alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be useful when soap and water are not available. However, they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.
Step 3: Lather Your Hands
Rub your hands together to make a lather. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Step 4: Scrub Your Hands
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice. This will help you scrub for the recommended amount of time.
Tip: Scrub All Over
Don't forget to scrub all over, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers, and under your nails. Germs can hide anywhere!
Step 5: Rinse Your Hands
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Step 6: Turn Off the Tap
Turn off the tap using your elbow or a paper towel to avoid touching the tap again with your clean hands.
Step 7: Dry Your Hands
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. If possible, use a clean towel every time you wash your hands to avoid cross-contamination.
Tip: Avoid Cross-Contamination
If you use a shared towel, make sure it's clean and changed regularly. Using a dirty towel can transfer germs back onto your hands.
Step 8: Turn Off the Faucet
If you used a public sink, turn off the faucet using a paper towel or your elbow to avoid touching it again with your clean hands.
Step 9: Use a Hand Sanitizer (Optional)
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Apply the gel to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together until they are dry.
Tip: Hand Sanitizers Are Not a Substitute
While hand sanitizers can kill many types of germs, they are not as effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Always choose soap and water when possible.
Step 10: Keep Your Hands Clean
Now that your hands are clean, avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent getting sick. Also, avoid touching surfaces that others may touch, like doorknobs or elevator buttons, with your unwashed hands.
Handwashing is a simple yet powerful tool in our fight against germs and illnesses. By following these 10 steps, you can help protect yourself and others from getting sick. Stay healthy, and happy washing!
