Washing your hands is a quick and easy way to prevent illness. To wash your hands properly, you only need access to soap and water. If you do not have soap and water available, hand sanitizers may be used as an alternative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the hand sanitizer contain a concentration of 60 to 90 percent ethyl alcohol or isopropanol. Rub the liquid over all areas of your hands for approximately 25 seconds until the liquid has absorbed into your skin.
Applying the Soap
Wet your hands with warm, running water when you are ready to start washing your hands. The soap should then be applied to the palms of your hands. Antibacterial soap does not need to be used to properly wash your hands. It may actually lead to the development of bacteria that is resistant to the antimicrobials found in the soap, indicates MayoClinic.com. Once the soap is applied, rub your palms together to make lather.
Rubbing Hands
Rub your hands together vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds once they are moistened. During these 20 seconds, pay extra attention to your wrists, fingernails, back of your hands and between your fingers.
Drying
Leave the water running while you rinse off all soap residue completely. Dry your hands with a clean towel or a paper towel. Alternatively, an air dryer may be used.
Turning Off Faucets
Turn off the faucets once you are finished drying your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends covering your freshly washed hands with a paper towel before turning off the faucets. This prevents you from contaminating your hands by touching the faucets.
When to Wash the Hands
Certain incidences occur when you should always wash your hands. MayoClinic.com lists these occasions as after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, before preparing food and eating, after touching an animal, after handling garbage or after coming into contact with a sick person.
