The environment surrounding you is full of bacteria, fungi and viruses, some powerful enough to make you sick or even kill you. As you interact with this environment, these microorganisms can be transferred to your body, especially your hands. From your hands, the microorganisms can make their way to your mouth or open wounds on the body, or can be transferred through other through shaking hands or preparing food. To prevent these microorganisms from making you or others sick, it is important to wash your hands regularly. Washing hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness and infection, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Debris
Before washing, you should physically remove any visible debris from your hands, such as clumps of dirt or sticky substances. This provides a clear surface for washing.
Water
Water is one of two essential parts of washing your hands. Water rinses dirt and microorganisms off the skin. It is important to find a clean water source for hand washing to prevent exposing your hands to other potential harmful viruses, fungi or bacteria.
The water preferably should also be running and not stagnant water in a bowl or other container. The CDC recommends using warm water when possible.
Soap
The second essential aspect of hand washing, soap uses detergents called surfactants, which help lift dirt and oils from your skin, taking potentially harmful microorganisms with them. You should always use soap when washing your hands. An antibacterial soap may provide added protection by killing harmful bacteria on the skin while you wash.
Lather
Once the soap has been applied to your hands, rub them together to create a lather. The bubbles of a lather help dislodge dirt and oil from the skin, resulting in cleaner hands after rinsing. Be sure the lather reaches all areas of the hands, and that you continue rubbing the hands together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
Rinse
Rinsing the lather from your hands with warm running water rinses away the dirt, oils and microorganisms that are trapped by the surfactants of the soap. This leaves the hands clean.
Dry
Drying is the final step in washing your hands and should be done with a paper towel or clean cloth towel. If possible, use the drying towel to turn off the water tap to prevent reintroducing microorganisms to your hands.
