Information on Hand Washing

Hand washing is the primary way to avoid bacteria and getting sick. Hands often touch surfaces such as door handles and counter tops that have germs. It's important to know when to wash your hands, hand washing methods, the type of soap to use and what to avoid when washing. Keeping your hands sanitized and away from bacteria and germs may be the difference between staying healthy and a trip to the doctor's office.

When to Wash

• Hand washing should be done throughout the day to eliminate germ buildup. Wash your hands prior to preparing foods or eating, treating wounds or giving medicine, or inserting or removing contact lenses. Conversely, washing hands after a variety of activities is also important. Wash your hands after using the toilet, preparing food or touching an animal. Wash your hands after handling garbage or touching a sick person.

How to Wash

• Hand washing should include two things: soap and water. The process includes wetting your hands with running water, applying soap, lathering well and rubbing your hands vigorously together for at least 20 seconds. The soap can be in powder, liquid or bar form. After rubbing your hands together, rinse them off with warm water if it's available. An air dryer or automatic disposable towel dispenser allows you to avoid using a dirty towel or touching a machine that may have germs. After washing your hands, use a disposable towel to turn off the faucet and avoid germs.

Children

• Children need to keep healthy by washing their hands frequently. Adults should show children the process. To keep them interested, parents or adults should have children wash their hands while singing "Happy Birthday," continuing to wash until they've completed singing. Adults can also place a reminder card at eye level for children. Keep a step stool under the sink so children can reach the faucet. If a sink isn't available, children should use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Children should also learn to wash their hands in a school or childcare setting to avoid spreading germs.

Soap

• You can use bar, powder or liquid soap for hand washing, but keep bar soap on a holder that you clean regularly. To avoid chapped hands, use a mild soap with warm water. Instead of rubbing your hands together, pat them together to avoid irritation. Apply hand lotion afterward to moisturize the skin.
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Things to Avoid

• When hand washing, avoid using a damp cloth, which could spread germs. Wash hands under running water and not in a standing pool of water. Don't use sponges unless they are laundered regularly.