Global Handwashing Day: 5 steps to wash hands properly to stop the spread of diseases

On this Global Handwashing Day, it is important that we learn and especially teach our kids how to wash our hands properly. Dirty hands can be a carrier for many disease-causing virus. So, it is essential to know when and how to wash hands.

We have seen many hand wash advertisements claiming to reduce the hand washing time because their soap is just that powerful. But that is not how it works. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, there is a proper technique for washing hands. By its instructions, one needs to wash hands for at least 20 seconds no matter which soap you are using.

How can germs spread through hands?

The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely taught us the importance of clean hands and there are many such diseases that spread through dirty hands. You can spread germs through hands when:

* You cook or eat food with unwashed hands
* You touch surfaces that have germs on them
* You touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
* You cover your nose or mouth with your hands while coughing or sneezing and then don’t wash them

If experts are claiming that you can stop the spread of diseases like coronavirus or diarrhea infections by just washing your hands for 20 seconds, so why not do that.

How to wash your hands properly, as recommended by CDC:

Step 1

Wet your hands under clean running water. It’s best to use warm water as that will help fight off germs better than the cold water does.

Step 2

Take some soap and rub your hands together to create lather. First you need to rub your palms together, then with one hand rub the back of your other hand and vice-versa, rub between the fingers and then finally rub your thumbs.

Step 3

Repeat these steps for at least 20 seconds. Meanwhile, sing a song or check yourself out in the mirror but do rub for 20 seconds. Make sure you are not too rough with the rubbing, be gentle.

Step 4

Run your hands under the tap water and rinse off all the lather properly.

Step 5

Dry your hands using a clean towel or use an air dryer. Do not rub them against your clothes as that will again make them dirty.

So, follow these steps to wash your hands and protect yourself and your family!