Washing your hands properly is the single most effective way of controlling the transmission of cold and flu germs, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Even 15 seconds spent washing your hands properly reduces bacteria by 90 percent, Harvard Medical School reports. Although store shelves are loaded with antibacterial hand soaps and sanitizers, good old soap and water remain an effective way to clean your hands. Follow a good hand washing with proper drying, as wet hands spread more germs than dry hands, Harvard notes.
Step 1
Turn on a stream of warm water. If you are in a public restroom, use a clean paper towel to avoid touching the faucet controls.
Step 2
Apply soap to your hands and work the soap into a lather. Use liquid soap, suggests the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as bar soap can develop a buildup that can harbor bacteria.
Step 3
Rub your hands together vigorously. Remember to scrub between your fingers, under your fingernails, over your wrists, over the front and back of your hands and around your cuticles. Scrub your hands for a full 15 to 20 seconds, which is approximately the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday," according to the Harvard Medical School.
Step 4
Rinse your hands under warm running water. Point your fingers down so the water runs into the sink and not down to your elbows, suggests Stanford University Environmental Health and Safety.
Step 5
Dry your hands thoroughly with a dry paper towel, and then use a clean, dry paper towel to turn the water off.
Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Liquid hand soap
