Generalization Strategies for Washing Hands

Washing your hands thoroughly and properly helps to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness. Hands should be washed not only when they're noticeably dirty, but also after using the toilet, sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose. You should wash your hands after changing a diaper, when caring for someone who is ill, before and after treating a cut or wound, and before, during and after food preparation.

Technique

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hands should be washed with clean, running warm or cold water. Lather your hands and scrub for 20 seconds, washing under the nails and between the fingers. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel.

Hand Sanitizer

• If you don't have soap and clean, running water, the next best thing is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Apply the hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together, ensuring that all surfaces come into contact with the sanitizer. Sanitizers are not effective on visibly dirty hands and do not kill all germs. According to Lifespan, antibacterial waterless gels are a good alternative for people with sensitive skin when soap and water isn't available.

Hand Washing for Children

• Children may not understand the importance of washing hands. According to MayoClinic.com, parents and caregivers should lead by example and wash their own hands when the children do. If your child isn't yet tall enough to reach the sink, keeping a stepstool in the bathroom may help to encourage hand washing. Make a chart for the child to mark off after each washing, which will provide a sense of accomplishment.

Antibacterial Soap

• According to MayoClinic.com, antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than regular soap and water. In fact, use of antibacterial soap may promote the development of bacteria immune to the antibacterial properties of the soap.