Handwashing Techniques & Solutions

Handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate germs and prevent disease. A 2010 study conducted by American Society for Microbiology found that 85 percent of adults washed their hands after using a public restroom. In 2010 women still lead men in handwashing by about 6 percent, reports the same study, an improvement from 2007, when only 66 of men percent scrubbed after using a public restroom. The Center for Disease Control recommends washing your hands after a variety of activities including, changing a diaper, using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, touching an animal, touching frequently handled public surfaces. However, washing your hands isn't enough, to prevent disease, you have to wash them correctly using proper cleaning agents.

Things You'll Need

• Soap

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Instructions

• 1

  Wet your hands with warm water. The temperature of the water doesn't have to scald your skin, but warmer water kills germs and bacteria more effectively than cooler temperatures.

• 2

  Add a squirt of liquid soap. If you are using a bar, rub the bar on your skin until your hands are coated with a layer of soap film.

• 3

  Add approximately 2 tablespoons of warm water, or a quick swish under the faucet. Rub your hands together, paying attention to the space in between your fingers and under your fingernails where germs can easily hide. Roll your hands over one another to clean all the surface area. For maximum efficacy, wash your hands for 20 seconds, roughly the amount of time needed to complete the "Happy Birthday" song twice in your head.

• 4

  Wash away the soap and dirt with warm water. Washing away germs thoroughly is an important step in eliminating the presence of germs and bacteria.

• 5

  Dry your hands with a paper towel or a hand dryer. Apply lotion as necessary to prevent dry or chapped hands.