Clean Hands Count in 15 Seconds

Importance of Handwashing

Handwashing has always provided a strong defense against disease-causing pathogens like bacteria and viruses that you can pick from another person or surface through touch. In the current situation globally, it's even more critical that individuals, families, and healthcare providers practice proper handwashing techniques.

Washing your hands the right way can protect you from introducing viruses and bacteria to your respiratory tract when you touch your face after touching a contaminated surface. Unfortunately, many people wash their hands incorrectly, which raises concerns in the healthcare sector. As such, knowing how and when to wash your hands makes a difference to how often your family gets sick.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly?

Parents with young children need to teach them how to wash their hands with soap and water the right way. Rushing the process can be detrimental, increasing the chances of cross-pollution and increased sickness. To effectively wash your hands and stop the spread of germs, here's what to do:

Using soap and water:

1. Wet your hands with water as the first step. There is a tendency for people to reach out for the soap first, but wetting the hands first produces a better ladder.
2. Apply bar, powder, or liquid soap to the wet hands.
3. Rub your hands together intensely until the soap forms a lather. Then, rub the top of your hands. Pay attention to the areas between fingers, the knuckles, and around and under the fingernails. Next, spread up the lather to the wrists as well.
4. Keep rubbing your hands for a minimum of 15 seconds. Children can have a hard time deciphering the length of 15 seconds. To help them out, let them hum or sing the " Happy Birthday" song twice as they continue rubbing their hands together, paying attention to the areas above.
5. Use running water to rinse your hands well until all the lather disappears.
6. Use a paper towel to dry your hands. If possible, use the same paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door. This goes a long way in preventing you from touching any lingering germs on these surfaces.

Using a hand sanitizer: 

The World Health Organization has strongly recommended using hand sanitizers to get rid of germs. In addition, it endorses the use of a six-step technique on how to hand rub using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. However, adherence to all six steps has been a challenge for many people. In its place, WHO advocates for a simplified three-step approach that gives the same results.

While 15 seconds of hand rub application may sound like a lot to the average person, it is a short time worth taking to help fight the spread of disease. The steps are as follows:

• Apply your hand sanitizer in one hand and rub both hands in the sanitizer together
• Spread it on all parts of the hands and rub until the hands feel dry
• It should take approximately 15-20 seconds to achieve this effect

If you are undecided about choosing a reliable hand sanitizer, check out this dual-action hand sanitizer that also functions as a moisturizer. The ingredients are fast-acting and kill 99.9% of germs in a record 15 seconds. Besides, it provides lasting hydration to protect your skin from drying out from the effects of alcohol.

When to Wash Your Hands

To protect yourself and your loved ones from disease-causing contaminants during this pandemic and beyond, ensure you take extra precautions and wash your hands:

• After touching a surface that other people may frequently touch, examples include shopping carts, doorknobs and handles, tables, and car doors.
• After being in a public place
• Before touching your nose, mouth, or eyes

You also should make it a habit to wash your hands in the following situations:

• After changing your baby's diaper or helping them relieve themselves
• Before, during, and after cooking. This is especially essential after handling eggs, chicken, pork, beef, fish, or seafood
• Before and after eating
• After using the bathroom
• After caring for your pet including petting, walking, and feeding
• Before and after administering first aid, even on yourself
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

Your desk can have just as many germs as the doorknob or lever in the bathroom. The true key to maintaining proper hygiene is to stay vigilant and make these small processes part of your daily routines. Know when and where to wash your hands, when and where to carry hand sanitizer, and most of all maintain personal hygiene as a necessary practice throughout your day.  

Final Thoughts

Fifteen seconds of hand cleaning can save lives. Researchers estimate that if everyone made it a habit to clean their hands routinely, it could prevent a million deaths caused by germs and infections. Given the ongoing situation in the world, it is safe to say that proper handwashing procedures should become second nature.