The Importance of Proper Handwashing Techniques to Keep Germs at Bay

December 5, 2023

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Asian mother and child holding up soapy hands

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of personal hygiene, especially when it comes to handwashing.

With National Handwashing Awareness Week upon us, it’s time to reinforce the critical role that good hand hygiene plays in preventing the spread of germs and keeping us healthy. While handwashing may seem like a simple task, it is one of the most effective ways to protect oneself and others from disease-causing germs. In this blog post, we will cover the proper handwashing techniques that we all should follow to keep germs at bay.

  • Wet your hands and apply soap: Start by wetting your hands under running water and apply soap. Use warm water if possible.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds: Rub your hands together with the soap, lathering up for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to clean between your fingers, under your nails, and on the backs of your hands.
  • Rinse your hands thoroughly: Rinse your hands well under running water, ensuring that all the soap has been washed away.
  • Dry your hands: Use a clean towel or air dry your hands. If you use a towel, make sure it is clean and unchanged for a while, as a damp towel can grow bacteria.
  • Use hand sanitizers: If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply enough sanitizer to cover your hands and rub them together until dry.

Make sure you are washing your hands:

  • After using the restroom or changing a diaper
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • After coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose, or wiping your face
  • Before eating or entering a shared area
  • After being in public places, such as schools, markets, or on public transportation.

Handwashing is a simple, yet effective practice that helps keep us healthy and prevents the spread of germs and diseases. With National Handwashing Awareness Week upon us, it’s crucial to make sure that we all follow proper handwashing techniques. By doing so, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from getting sick. Remember, hands down, handwashing is one of the best ways to stay healthy and keep those germs at bay.

 

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