According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (References 1), handwashing is a simple and effective way of preventing the spread of disease. Bacterial and viral infections from raw food, feces, saliva and mucous is easily spread from the hands to the face, between people and from touching infected surfaces such as doorknobs. Regular handwashing helps prevent spreading infections at home, at work and throughout communities.
When To Wash Your Hands
To prevent spreading disease, always wash your hands before and after eating, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers. You should also wash your hands after coughing or sneezing into them, after touching or cleaning up after a sick person, and after touching animals or things that animals use, such as cages or toys. Raw meat and eggs can carry disease, so wash your hands after touching them.
Water
Wash your hands with hot or cold water. Using hot water isn't necessary to kill germs, so adjust the temperature to make it comfortable for you.
Soap
The Mayo Clinic (References 2) points out that it is not necessary to use anti-bacterial soap, which might actually be harmful because it can cause germs to become resistant to the anti-bacterial ingredients. Regular soap kills germs just as effectively.
Handwashing Technique
For everyday handwashing, wet your hands with warm water and soap them thoroughly. Rub your hands together to make a lather. The lather is what lifts the dirt and germs off your hands. Wash your palms, thumbs and the backs of your hands up to your wrists. Also wash between your fingers. Work the lather for at least 15 seconds before rinsing.
Food Service Workers
Foodservice workers handle food served to the public, so they should be especially vigilant and thorough about handwashing, particularly upon first arriving at work and after using the toilet. Wearing gloves does not prevent the spread of disease because the gloves can become contaminated.
Foodservice workers should wash their hands as described above, but they should also wash their arms up to the elbows. They should use a nail brush or their palms to scrub each nail and fingertip with soap.
Drying The Hands
Thoroughly drying your hands after washing is very important to reducing the spread of pathogens. Use a clean or disposable towel to dry each part of your hands, including between your fingers. In public restrooms, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door when leaving.
Hand Sanitizers
If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an effective way to keep your hands clean. Put several drops into one hand, and rub your hands together to wet them with the product. As with soap and water, make sure you clean the fronts and backs of your hands, and between your fingers. Allow your hands to air dry.
