Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHandwashing StepsHow Long to WashWhen to WashAntibacterial SoapHand SanitizerCan You Wash Too Much?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Handwashing Steps
How Long to Wash
When to Wash
Antibacterial Soap
Hand Sanitizer
Can You Wash Too Much?
Washing your hands is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and others from illness. Throughout the day, your hands come into contact with surfaces that can carry harmful germs, so it’s crucial to wash your hands multiple times—especially before preparing food and after using the bathroom.
By washing your hands thoroughly and consistently, you can reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, helping to keep you and your family healthy.
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1. Wet Your Hands
2. Apply Soap
Turn off the tap water to conserve water while you apply soap to your hands.Dispense a generous amount of soap into your wet hands, either from a pump dispenser or a bar of soap. Make sure to cover all surfaces, as the soap helps to break down germs and dirt.
3. Lather
Rub your hands palm to palm to create a good lather, ensuring the front surfaces of your hands are thoroughly cleaned. This motion helps break down dirt and oils on your skin. Continue this for at least 20 seconds, which is the recommended time for effective handwashing.
4. Scrub Hands and Wrists for 20 Seconds
Your fingernails can also harbor dirt and bacteria, so take a moment to scrub under them. Use the tips of your fingers to rub the opposite palm or a nail brush, if available.
5. Rinse
Rinse your hands under clean, running water to wash away the soap and loosened dirt. Be sure to remove all traces of soap to prevent skin irritation or dryness.
6. Dry Your Hands
Use a clean towel, paper towel, or air dryer to dry your hands completely. Drying them properly helps prevent the spread of bacteria, as germs can transfer more easily from wet skin.
7. Use a Towel to Turn the Faucet Off
This simple step ensures that your hands remain clean and minimizes the risk of transferring germs back onto your skin immediately after washing.
How Long to Wash Your Hands
It’s important to wash your hands at key times to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. Here are some situations when you should always wash your hands:
Do You Need Antibacterial Soap?
When shopping for soaps and bodywashes, many people opt for products labeled “antibacterial” in the belief that they offer extra protection against illness, germs, and infections. It’s common to assume that these products will help keep your family healthier and reduce the risk of spreading germs.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found no clear evidence that over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are more effective at preventing sickness than regular soap and water.
In fact, some studies suggest that the antibacterial chemicals used in these products, such as triclosan, may pose potential risks with long-term use, including contributing to antibiotic resistance and disrupting hormone levels. Washing with plain soap and water remains just as effective for everyday hand hygiene and poses fewer risks to your health and the environment.
Hand Sanitizer vs. Handwashing
While soap and water are the most effective way to clean your hands,hand sanitizercan be a good alternative when you don’t have access to a sink. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content are nearly as effective at killing most germs as washing with soap and water.
Here’s how to properly use hand sanitizer:
Can You Wash Your Hands Too Much?
Yes, it is possible to wash your hands too much. Excessive handwashing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and cracking, which may increase the risk of infections.Some people may experience a hand rash after handwashing too much.
If your hands become dried out from washing too often, you should apply a fragrance-free, moisturizing hand cream or lotion immediately after washing to help restore moisture. Use a cream or ointment that:
You can also use a gentle, hydrating soap and lukewarm water, as hot water can further dry out the skin.
If your skin remains dry despite trying these suggestions, it may be time to consult adermatologist. Some individuals may require a prescription cream or ointment to treat their dry skin properly. if any underlying condition (such as eczema) causes it. A dermatologist can diagnose properly and recommend the appropriate treatment to help improve your skin’s health.
Summary
In conclusion, proper handwashing is a vital step in protecting your health and preventing the spread of germs. By following the recommended techniques and being mindful of when and how to wash your hands, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, maintaining good hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to keep everyone safe and healthy.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About handwashing.MedlinePlus.Handwashing.Toney-Butler TJ, Gasner A, Carver N.Hand hygiene. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When and how to wash your hands.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand hygiene frequently asked questions.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.Food and Drug Administration.Skip the antibacterial soap; use plain soap and water.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin relief from COVID-19 handwashing.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About handwashing.MedlinePlus.Handwashing.Toney-Butler TJ, Gasner A, Carver N.Hand hygiene. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When and how to wash your hands.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand hygiene frequently asked questions.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.Food and Drug Administration.Skip the antibacterial soap; use plain soap and water.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin relief from COVID-19 handwashing.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About handwashing.MedlinePlus.Handwashing.Toney-Butler TJ, Gasner A, Carver N.Hand hygiene. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When and how to wash your hands.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand hygiene frequently asked questions.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.Food and Drug Administration.Skip the antibacterial soap; use plain soap and water.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin relief from COVID-19 handwashing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About handwashing.
MedlinePlus.Handwashing.
Toney-Butler TJ, Gasner A, Carver N.Hand hygiene. In:StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When and how to wash your hands.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand hygiene frequently asked questions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Handwashing facts.
Food and Drug Administration.Skip the antibacterial soap; use plain soap and water.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin relief from COVID-19 handwashing.
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