Despite appearing simple, handwashing is actually part of a healthy lifestyle that can help protect you and your family from various infections caused by harmful germs. Therefore, it is important to know how to wash your hands properly in order to maximize its effectiveness.
So, don't just wash your hands carelessly anymore. Come on, learn the complete steps for proper handwashing in the following article!
Why Should You Wash Your Hands?
Many people may not realize that their hands can harbor viruses and bacteria that can certainly cause infectious diseases. Here are some reasons why you should wash your hands:
1. Germs cannot be seen
You certainly know that bacteria and viruses are microscopic in size and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Meanwhile, these microorganisms can spread easily and contaminate your belongings, such as bags, shoes, laptops, phones, and desks. In addition, germs can also stick to your hands after you cough, sneeze, or come into contact with animals.
Keep in mind that hands are one of the main ways germs are transmitted. Hence, keeping your hands clean is an important measure to reduce the spread of harmful germs while also preventing healthcare-associated infections.
2. Prevent the spread of germs
Did you know that germs can be transferred very quickly? Sometimes without realizing it, you touch your nose, cheeks, eyes, or mouth with your hands. Now, if your hands are dirty, it is entirely possible for germs to spread immediately and contaminate your body.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
Keeping your hands completely free of germs throughout the day may be very difficult to do. Instead, wash your hands frequently, especially when they appear dirty and also at the following times:
Always wash your hands before and after:
- Preparing and consuming food.
- Treating wounds.
- Caring for someone who is sick.
- Entering and leaving public places.
- Putting in and removing contact lenses.
- Touching items or surfaces that are frequently touched by other people, such as door handles and stair railings.
Always wash your hands after:
- Coughing.
- Sneezing.
- Taking out the trash.
- Touching animals or animal waste.
- Preparing food for pets.
- Using the toilet.
- Changing a child's diaper.
How to Wash Your Hands Properly According to WHO
Now, you know why you should wash your hands and the recommended times to do so. According to WHO, proper handwashing should be carried out for approximately 40 to 60 seconds. Next, learn the proper handwashing steps according to WHO (World Health Organization) or the world's health organization below:
Source: WHO (World Health Organization)
- Wet your hands with running water.
- Apply enough soap to cover the entire surface of your hands.
- Rub the soap into both palms.
- Use one hand to rub the back of the other hand. Clean between your fingers and do the same with the other hand.
- Rub both hands together and clean between your fingers.
- Rub the backs of your fingers against your palms.
- Rub your thumb using the other hand. Do the same with the other thumb.
- Rub the fingertips of one hand against the palm of the other hand. Repeat the same process with the other hand.
- Rinse your hands with running water.
- Dry your hands with a tissue.
- Turn off the faucet using a tissue.
- Your handwashing process according to WHO is now complete, and your hands are clean.
Choosing Hand Soap
So far, many people have assumed that antibacterial soap can clean hands more effectively. But is that true? Well, in 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, banned the use of antibacterial soaps containing triclosan and triclocarban.
The reason is that these two substances were considered ineffective for cleaning hands. On the contrary, they may trigger allergic reactions which, if used over the long term, could increase the likelihood of endocrine disorders and bacterial resistance.
Therefore, to practice proper handwashing according to WHO, you can use any type of soap, including bar soap, regular liquid soap, or even antibacterial soap without triclosan and triclocarban.
What If There Is No Water and Soap?
Ideally, the proper way to wash your hands is by using soap and running water. Nevertheless, if you cannot find water and soap, cleaning your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleanser or hand sanitizer is the most appropriate option.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that hand sanitizer is not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water. So, if you use hand sanitizer and then find a place where you can wash your hands, you should wash your hands immediately.
In general, alcohol-based hand cleansers contain ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, or a mixture of these substances. A study states that the most effective composition for hand sanitizer consists of:
- 60 to 85 percent ethanol.
- 60 to 80 percent isopropanol.
- 60 to 80 percent n-propanol.
How to Clean Your Hands with Hand Sanitizer
The process is almost the same as washing your hands with running water. To clean your hands with hand sanitizer, follow these steps:
Source: Dobson Healthcare Services
- Apply hand sanitizer according to the instructions for use or apply an adequate amount to the palm of your hand.
- Rub both hands together.
- Spread the hand sanitizer over all parts of your hands.
- Make sure to rub the hand sanitizer between your fingers as well.
- Rub for 25 to 30 seconds until your hands are completely dry.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that hand sanitizer does not eliminate all types of germs. Hand sanitizer is also not as effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Hand sanitizer also does not completely remove harmful chemicals from your hands, such as pesticides and heavy metals.
That is the explanation of how to wash your hands properly according to WHO, both with water and with hand sanitizer. Make sure to start getting into the habit of washing your hands from now on!
Once your hands are clean, don't forget to maintain your health by drinking enough water. Whatever your activity, #AQUADULU to meet your daily drinking water needs. So, isn't adopting a healthy lifestyle easy?