Hand Washing Instructions: Proper Technique for Clean Hands
Maintaining clean hands is crucial for overall health and hygiene. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure effective hand washing:
-Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
-Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
-Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
-Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
-Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Key Tips for Effective Hand Washing:
-Use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
-Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content are effective when soap and water are not available.
Always wash hands:
-Before, during, and after preparing food
-Before eating food
-Before and after caring for someone who is sick
-After using the toilet
-After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
-After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
-After touching garbage
Why Hand Washing Matters:
Proper hand hygiene is the simplest and most effective way to prevent the spread of infections and illnesses such as colds, flu, and COVID-19. By washing your hands frequently, you protect yourself and others from harmful germs.
Remember, clean hands save lives. Make hand washing a habit for a healthier future.
