Steps in Proper Handwashing

by Allison Boelcke

Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing your hands is one of the simplest ways to keep from getting sick or spreading infections. The organization recommends washing your hands anytime you've handled food, waste, animals, bodily fluids or any other potentially hazardous materials. For hand washing to truly prevent germ transmission, it must be done correctly.
Washing

Choose any type of mild, antibacterial bar or liquid soap. Turn the faucet on and run until the water is warm. Using too hot water can dry out the skin on your hands and cause irritation. Place your hands under the running warm water just until they are dampened. Rub bar soap across hands until hands are thoroughly covered with a soap lather or apply a palmful of liquid soap. Massage your hands together until a lather forms, then gently rub the soap repeatedly over the entire surface of your hands and palms for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to clean easily forgettable spots, such as between your fingers and underneath your fingernails. Place your hands under the running warm water until the soap rinses away completely.

Drying

If possible, use a clean towel or a paper towel to turn off the water so you don't contaminate your hands with any bacteria from the faucet. Dry your hands by patting your skin gently with a towel until all moisture is thoroughly absorbed. Do not rub your skin vigorously with a towel or you could cause chaffing or redness, especially in dry or sensitive skin. If you're using an air dryer to dry your hands, use your elbow or forearm to turn the dryer on if it doesn't have a sensor. Keep your hands positioned under it until they are completely dry. Bacteria are more prone to breeding in moist environments, so even if you're in a hurry, don't leave the sink area with any water or dampness left on your hands.
Using Hand Sanitizers

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that soap and warm water is the most effective method for washing hands, the organization recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizer gels if no sink is available. Apply a dime-sized amount of hand sanitizer to one of your palms. Do not use the same amount of sanitizer as you would use for soap. Hand sanitizers rely on alcohol to kill germs; however, it is extremely harsh and drying on skin. Once you've applied the sanitizer, rub your hands together and spread the sanitizer all over your palms, tops of your hands and between your fingers. Continue rubbing the sanitizer until it sinks in and your hands are completely dry.