Most Important Hand Washing Techniques

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing is the single most fundamental way to prevent the spread of disease and infections. Not only will hand washing save someone from getting an infection, it will also keep them from spreading one. Unwashed hands are the most common way to spread diseases like colds, flu, strep throat, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.

When

• It is generally known that the CDC recommends washing hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, taking out the trash, changing a diaper, handling money, handling uncooked meats, playing with an animal, sneezing, coughing and before eating. For those in the health care profession, the Mayo Clinic recommends washing after anything already mentioned, after caring for someone who is sick, and before and after treating an open wound.

Water

• Make sure to use water that is as hot as comfortable. It does not need to scald; however, the warmer the better. Wet your hands, apply the soap, then lather and rinse. Dry hands with an air dryer or a single-use paper towel. Paper towels are better because you can use the towel to turn off the water, so your hands do not pick up the germs that are on the faucet. Also, use the paper towel to open the bathroom door before throwing away the towel.

Soap

• It is essential when washing hands that you use enough soap. Once the soap is in the palm of the hand, rubbing the hands together to create friction is also crucial. The friction creates lather and helps to remove germs from the hands. When scrubbing the hands, remember to clean the backs, the wrists, between the fingers and around the fingernails to remove the most germs possible. Soap does not kill the germs, it provides a slippery surface for the germs to slide off. It is necessary to wash for 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly.

Hand Sanitizers

• Hand sanitizers are ethyl alcohol mixed with hand softeners and other emollients. They are available in liquids or on towelettes. When soap and water are not available, these are the next best option. Keep in mind that they will not work if there is visible contamination on the hands. These also tend to have a drying effect for those who use them regularly. This can become irritating and cause the skin on the hands to dry out.

Duration

• According to the Mayo Clinic, hands should be vigorously washed for at least 20 seconds. To help remember how long this is, try singing "Happy Birthday" twice. To teach younger kids how long to wash hands, have them sing the "ABC" song up to two times to total 20 seconds.