Handwashing in Five Easy Steps
The single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection is WASH YOUR HANDS!
- WATER AND SUDS: Begin by wetting each hand thoroughly, then apply soap. It can be in either a liquid form or a bar of soap. If using a bar of soap, make sure that it is placed on a clean rack when you are finished so that all of the water can drain off and keep it free from germs.
- RUB: Rub your soapy hands together making sure you don’t miss any spots. Scrub all surfaces, including in between each finger and under your fingernails.
- TAKE YOUR TIME: Keep scrubbing for at least 15 seconds (but 30 is better). Keep in mind, the type of soap you use and the temperature of the water are not as important as the friction you create when you rub your hands together. It’s the friction that gets rid of the germs!
- RINSE: Rinse both hands with cool or warm water. Very hot water can scald hands and/or dry out skin, leaving you vulnerable to infection.
- DRY: Dry hands thoroughly with a paper towel or a motion activated hand dryer. Paper towels provide one more opportunity to create friction and get rid of any lingering germs. Motion activated hand dryers have the added benefit of being touch free, but they take longer and may not get your hands completely dry.