The Art of Hand Hygiene: Mastering the Perfect Hand Sanitizing Technique with Soap and Sanitizer

Proper hand-washing is a critical step for protecting yourself and others from illness-causing germs and viruses. In this article, we'll dive into the correct hand-washing methods and why using hand sanitizer is an effective way to reduce the risk of contamination.

Administrator

27 August, 2023

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1 When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Handwashing is a simple yet important practice to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. It helps remove harmful microorganisms from your hands. You should wash your hands frequently, especially in the following situations:

Before, during, and after preparing food.
Before eating.
Before and after treating wounds or caring for a sick person.
After using the toilet (both bowel movements and urination).
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
After changing diapers or assisting a child with toilet use.
After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste.
After handling garbage.

2 Six Steps to Proper Handwashing with Soap

Proper handwashing involves using soap and following a specific technique under clean, running water. The standard steps for effective handwashing include:

Step 1: Wet your hands with water, apply soap, and rub your palms together.
Step 2: Rub the back of one hand with the palm of the other hand, and vice versa.
Step 3: Interlock your fingers and rub your palms together, ensuring you clean between your fingers.
Step 4: Rub the back of your fingers against your palms, with your fingers curled into your palms.
Step 5: Rub your thumbs in a rotating motion, first with one hand and then the other, enveloping the thumb.
Step 6: Rub the tips of your fingers on the palms of your opposite hand, and vice versa. Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water up to your wrists and dry them.

Note: Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds, repeating each step at least 5 times.

3 Guide to Handwashing with Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer, also known as hand rub or hand gel, is a convenient alternative to soap and water. When using hand sanitizer, you don’t need to rinse your hands with water afterward.

To use hand sanitizer effectively, apply a small amount, about the size of a coin, to the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of both hands, including between your fingers, until your hands are dry. This process should take around 30 seconds to ensure your hands are thoroughly sanitized.

Some important things to keep in mind when using hand sanitizer:

Before applying hand sanitizer, ensure you remove all visible dirt or grease from your hands using a wet wipe or natural tissue.
Do not touch any food or objects until your hands are completely dry.
Pay attention to the alcohol content of your hand sanitizer. It should be at least 60% alcohol to be effective against most bacteria and viruses.
Avoid applying hand sanitizer to open wounds or damaged skin, as it may cause irritation.
Only use trusted brands of hand sanitizers that have been tested and proven safe and effective.

Now you know the proper techniques for handwashing with soap and using hand sanitizer. Share this knowledge with your loved ones to keep everyone healthy and safe!

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