Good Handwashing Technique

Proper hand hygiene is still one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs and protect yourself and those around you from illness. Proper handwashing involves these five simple steps.

1. Wet hands under clean running water, either warm or cold. Turn off the tap and apply soap. Soap removes dirt and germs from the skin more effectively than water alone.
2. Build a lather by rubbing your hands with soap. Be sure to cover the backs of your hands and wrists, between the fingers, and under the fingernails.
3. All surfaces of the hands should be scrubbed vigorously for at least 20 seconds – long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Along with soap friction created by rubbing hands together is important to loosen and remove germs.
4. Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water.
5. Dry hands with a clean towel, paper towel, or air dryer, or air dry them. Avoid touching the faucet, doorknobs, and other bath surfaces to prevent recontamination.