Keeping It Clean: How to Properly Wash Your Hands

The 5 Must-Do Hand Washing Steps (and Drying, Too)

Hand washing is a pretty simple process. But we’re often in a hurry and miss out on – or hasten through – key steps. Take your time; do it right. Here’s how:

• Step 1 – Get ‘em wet. Run your hands under clean, running water; it can be hot or cold.
  
• Step 2 – Turn off the tap and apply soap. Lather up, by rubbing your hands together; that includes the back of your hands, in between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Step 3 – Scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. How long is 20 seconds? It’s the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.” (And to liven things up, here’s an – admittedly, odd – rendition of the tune with customized hand-washing lyrics!). Timely choruses from other songs that seem pertinent include “So Fresh, So Clean” by OutKast and “Oops...I did It Again” by Britney Spears. Here’s a handwashing playlist; yes, there’s a playlist for everything.
• Step 4 – Rinse. Be thorough here, too, to get all that lathery residue off your hands, fingers, and nails.
• Step 5 – Dry. Use a clean towel – such as a single-use Scott Paper Towel – or air dry.

No Access to Water for Hand Washing? Try Hand Sanitizer

Using soap and water is the best way to rid your hands of germs and other disease-causing gunk. But in a pinch, hand sanitizer is a better-than-nothing option – just as long as it’s alcohol-based and contains at least 60% alcohol. Check the label if you’re not sure.

The process is similar to that of soap and water:

• Squirt a dollop into your palm.
• Rub your hands together, coating the palms, back and fingers of your hands.
• Rub for 20 seconds (with or without the help of an aforementioned song).

When not in use, make sure to store your hand sanitizer in a cool, safe place that is out of reach of your kids. Keep an eye on the expiration date on the label and dispose of any hand sanitizer that has expired.

When and How Often Should You Wash Your Hands?

The CDC notes several activities that should prompt immediate and thorough handwashing, including before and after the following:

• Preparing food
• Eating food
• Taking care of someone who is vomiting or has diarrhea
• Treating a cut or wound
• Using the toilet
• Changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Touching a pet or other animal, including animal waste
• Touching garbage

How often do you wash your hands? How do you get your children to do so? Please share your hand-washing insights and tips, via social media channels. Remember to use the tag #KeepLifeRolling.