Are you washing your hands correctly?

Hand-washing with soap is the front line of defense against the COVID-19 virus. In addition, it can prevent one in three diarrhea-related sicknesses and one in five respiratory infections, including a cold or the flu.

However, studies have shown that many people don’t wash their hands correctly, or for long enough. Now is a good time to brush up on how and when to wash your hands. If you have kids, it may also be helpful to go over proper hand washing technique with them.

How to wash

1. Wet your hands with warm or cold water and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands, including the backs, between your fingers and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. You can sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or the “Happy Birthday” song twice to make sure that you or your children are washing for long enough.
4. Rinse your hands well under running water.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.

When to wash

Washing your hands with soap and water at key times throughout the day is one of the most important things you can do to get rid of germs. Most of us know the basics of when to wash our hands, but there are some times when it is most important.

• Before and after both preparing and eating food.
• Before and after giving medical care of any kind.
• After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up after a child or pet who has used the bathroom.
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• After touching garbage, or when your hands are visibly dirty.

Other tips

• If you don’t have water or soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure that it’s at least 60 percent alcohol, and only let children use it under adult supervision.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched areas at home, work or school.
• If possible, use a paper towel to open doors, turn faucets or even touch elevator buttons.