How to Wash Your Hands Properly to Kill All Germs - Step by Step Guide

Proper handwashing is the most effective way to remove germs and harmful bacteria from our hands and prevent the spread of viral and infectious diseases and keep your environment safe, fresh and clean.

Find out when to wash hands, how to wash your hands properly, how to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and how to teach a child to wash their hands.

Hand wash challenge: how to wash your hands properly

How to Wash Your Hands Properly to Kill All Germs

Hand Washing

Handwashing is the act of cleaning one's hands to remove microorganisms, soil, grease or other unwanted substances.

Proper handwashing is the most effective way to remove germs and harmful bacteria from our hands and prevent the spread of viral and infectious diseases and keep your environment safe, fresh and clean.

Hand washing requires only soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is an antiseptic that does not need water.

Read here: How can Coronavirus Be Prevented or Avoided?

Find out when and how to wash hands properly.

When should Wash Your Hands?

Since you shake hands with people and touch surfaces and objects throughout the day, germs accumulate on your hands. On the other hand, you may become infected with these germs by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Although it is impossible to keep your hands free from germs, frequent washing of hands can help limit the transmission of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes.

Always wash your hands before the following:

• Preparing or eating food
• Treating wounds, giving medicine, or caring for a patient or injured person
• Putting in or removing contact lenses

Always wash your hands after the following:

• Preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry
• Using the toilet or changing the diaper
• Touching an animal, toys, chains, or offal
• Skipping, coughing or sneezing in your hands
• Treating wounds or caring for a sick or injured person
• Dealing with garbage or chemicals in the home or garden, or anything that could be contaminated, such as a cleaning cloth or dirty shoes
• Shaking hands with others if you think it is necessary

In addition, wash your hands whenever they appear dirty.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

It is generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. So follow these simple tips:

Watch this video that is created by the CDC to raise awareness and educate the community on healthy hygiene behaviors.

Handwashing Tips: 

• Moisten your hands with running water, whether it is warm or cold.
• Apply liquid soap, soap, or powder.
• Lather well with soap.
• Rub your hands firmly for at least 20 seconds. Remember to rub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands and wrists, between your fingers and under your nails.
• Rinse your hands well under warm, running water.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel, disposable towel, or air dryer.
• If possible, use a towel or elbow to close the tap.

Note that antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than regular soap. Rather, the use of antibacterial soap may lead to the development of bacteria that are not resistant to the antibacterial antiseptics present in the products and even make it difficult to eliminate these germs in the future.

How to Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which do not require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and water are not available.

If you are using a hand sanitizer, make sure that the product contains at least 60% alcohol. Then follow these simple steps:

Place enough products in the palm of your hand to completely moisturize your hands.

Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, until your hands dry.

Antimicrobial napkins or towels are also an effective option. Again, look for products that are high in alcohol. If your hands are dirty, wash them with soap and water.

How to Teach Your Child to Wash Their Hands

how to teach your child to wash their hands properly

Help children stay healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands properly and frequently.

Wash your hands with your child to show you how to wash. To avoid speedy washing, I suggest washing hands with soap for as long as it takes to sing the song "Happy Birthday" twice. If your child cannot reach the sink by himself, keep a small seat next to it.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are suitable for children and teenagers, especially when soap and water are not available. However, be sure to supervise young children when using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Remind your child to make sure the disinfectant is completely dry before touching anything. Keep the package out of the reach of children after use.

Hand hygiene is especially important for children in child care institutions. Young children who are nurtured in groups outside the home are at a greater risk of developing respiratory and digestive diseases, which can easily spread to family members and other close people.

Ensure that the person caring for your child places great emphasis on washing hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ask if children are asked to wash their hands several times a day, not just before meals. Also note, whether the diaper areas are cleaned after each use and whether the eating and changing diaper areas are far enough apart.

Follow these 5 simple steps to teach your child hand hygiene:

1. Moisten your hands with warm water.

2. Lather up with soap.

3. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds.

4. Rub your hands thoroughly under warm, flowing water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel.

Read here: Infectious Diseases: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

A Simple Way to Stay Healthy

Hand washing does not take much time or effort, but it does include great advantages in disease prevention. Familiar with this simple habit can play a major role in protecting your health.