How To Wash & Dry Your Hands

Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illnesses to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infections including the common cold, influenza and several types of diarrhea spread by hand-to-hand contact. Washing your hands properly will give you the best protection against germs that could make you sick.

Step 1

Wet your hands. Place your hands under clean running water and wet all surfaces. The CDC recommends using comfortably warm water. It’s best to remove rings or other jewelry because dirt and germs can hide under jewelry.

Step 2

Apply soap. The purpose of soap and water is to create a slippery surface that allows dirt and germs to slide off, according to Harley Rotbart, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital in Denver, and author of “Germ Proof Your Kids.” Liquid soap in disposable containers is ideal. If using bar soap, Dr. Rotbart recommends small bars that can be changed frequently.

Step 3

Rub your hands together. This loosens dirt and germs and allows them to be rinsed away, says Rotbart. Work up a lather on both sides of your hands. Be sure the lather gets between your fingers and under your nails where dirt and germs can hide. Continue rubbing for 20 seconds--enough time to sing “Happy Birthday” twice, recommends the CDC.

Step 4

Rinse your hands. Place your hands under warm running water with your hands pointing downward, but not touching the sink. This allows the dirt and germs to run down the drain, not along your arm, says Rotbart. Rinse until all the soap is removed.

Step 5

Dry your hands.The CDC advises drying your hands with a paper towel or using an air dryer in public restrooms. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and then toss it in the waste receptacle. If you use cloth towels at home, launder them frequently, recommends Rotbart.

Tips and Warnings

Applying hand lotion after washing your hands can help ward off dry skin, leaving fewer places for germs to lurk, says Rotbart. The CDC recommends washing hands after coughing or blowing your nose, after using the bathroom, before preparing food and eating, after handling garbage, and after touching animals or anything in an animal’s environment. The CDC states that you should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Look for hand sanitizing gels or wipes with an alcohol content of at least 60 percent. They significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast-acting, according to the CDC.
A study led by Allison E. Aiello and published in the September 2007 issue of “Clinical Infectious Diseases” suggests that antibacterial soaps may promote bacterial resistance. The researchers found that triclosan, an active ingredient in antibacterial soaps, could potentially lead to the development of bacteria that are immune to antibiotic drugs, such as amoxicillin. The researchers also concluded that antibacterial soaps don’t work any better than plain soaps.