Proper handwashing requires soap and water. By rubbing, soap breaks down the grease and dirt that carry most germs. Washing your hands for at least 15 to 30 seconds with soap and water does not just make your hands smell fresh but also reduces germ counts by up to 99%.
Follow these 8 simple steps to keep your hands clean:
1. Palm to palm
2. Between fingers
3. Back of hands
4. Base of thumbs
5. Back of fingers
6. Fingernails
7. Wrists
8. Rinse and wipe dry
When to wash your hands
There are important moments that you don’t want to miss. Similarly, there are moments that you need to wash your hands when you do the following:
Before and after handling or preparing food
At mealtimes
Attending to a child or sick person
Wearing contact lenses
After using the toilet
Eating
Wiping or blowing nose
Coughing and sneezing
Changing nappies
Touching common surfaces (lift buttons, handles, table tops, etc)
What type of soap should be used?
Any type of soap may be used. However, bar soap should be kept in a self draining holder that is cleaned thoroughly before new bars are put in. Liquid soap containers should be used until empty and cleaned before refilling.
Hand disinfection
When travelling overseas or going to places where clean water and soap are not available, it is important to use hand disinfectants as an additional measure of hygiene after washing your hands with soap. The most common form of disinfectants are alcohol-based ones.
How to use alcohol-based disinfectants
Ideally, wash your hands to make sure all dirt is removed as alcohol-based disinfectants work best on clean skin.
Dry your hands as water dilutes the alcohol of the disinfectant and lessens its effectiveness.
Apply disinfectant about the size of a coin on your hands. Rub them together, ensuring that both hands are covered with disinfectant, including the area under your nails.
Keep applying the rubbing motion for about 15 seconds, or until your hands feel dry.
Your hands may be clean after washing with soap and water, but there are also precautions when you dry them:
Avoid using sponges or non-disposable cleaning cloths to wipe your hands unless you clean them on a daily basis and dry them regularly.
Remember that germs thrive on moist surfaces.
Do not use a common hand towel. Always use disposable towels in public or office washrooms.
Do not use a single damp cloth to wash a group of children’s hands.
