One of the most effective ways to keep from spreading germs is to wash your hands. You should always do this before eating or preparing food. It is also important to wash your hands after touching raw meat, using the toilet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, handling garbage or having contact with any contaminated substance. Techniques to wash your hands properly and thoroughly are simple and easy to learn. If you have children, stress the importance of keeping their hands clean as one of the best ways to stay healthy and to keep from getting colds and flu.
Wet Your Hands
The first step is to turn on the faucet and wet your hands with running water. The temperature of the water doesn't matter, so use whatever is comfortable to you. Wash your wrists and forearms if you think they might be carrying bacteria or germs as well. Be sure you have removed any rings, watches or other jewelry before wetting anything down.
Apply Soap
The second step to properly wash your hands is to apply soap. This doesn't have to be antibacterial soap, according to Samuel N. Grief, M.D., from the University of Illinois in Chicago. The main point is for the soap to lather over both hands to trap bacteria and germs. You should rub your hands away from the running water, creating lather. Make sure you get both sides of your hands, under your nails and between the fingers. The Centers for Disease Control states that you should spend about 15 seconds scrubbing your hands to make sure they are clean. The Mayo Clinic suggests singing the song "Happy Birthday" twice before moving on to the next step.
Rinse the Soap
After your hands are adequately lathered, they should be placed back beneath the running water. The hands should be thoroughly rinsed on both sides and between the fingers. Allow the water to remove all the lather, taking the germs and bacteria with it. Don't remove your hands until the last trace of soap is is gone.
Dry Your Hands
The fourth step is to use a fresh towel or clean paper towel to dry your hands. Pat your hands dry on both sides and between your fingers.
Turn off the Water
The fifth step is to turn off the water. Don't touch the faucet to turn off the water because it may have been contaminated by your dirty hands when you turned it on. Instead, use the towel or paper towel you dried your hands on to turn it off. If you are in a public restroom, don't touch the door handle, as it also might be contaminated. Instead, use the paper towel on which you dried your hands and cover the doorknob or handle before opening the door. If the restroom uses blow dryers, use a tissue instead.
