How to Wash Hands Correctly

You might think you’re perfectly capable of effectively washing your hands – but did you know that 95 per cent of people wash their hands incorrectly and don’t even know it? That’s right, studies have found that most people totally miss the mark when it comes to hand hygiene and the vast majority are washing their hands incorrectly! Washing hands with soap and water is one of the most effective and low-cost ways to prevent catching and spreading cold and flu viruses.

Washing your hands properly from start to finish takes less than a minute.

Follow these guidelines to be sure you’re effectively washing your hands:

1. Wet your hands with warm water

2. Apply soap and lather your hands by rubbing them together firmly, covering them entirely in soap. If it’s available, use anti-bacterial liquid soap

3. Use your hands to scrub under your nails, between your fingers and the backs of your hands for at least 20 seconds

4. Rinse your hands until they are clean of dirt and soap

5. Dry your hands, preferably using paper towels

6. Use hand sanitizer upon exiting a washroom or facility to ensure your hands are completely disinfected as you may have had to use your hands to open doors

Hand sanitizer is also a great substitute when you can’t actually wash your hands. Be sure to apply a sufficient amount and don’t wipe off! Hands should be wet for at least 15-20 seconds.

When to Wash?

More often than you think. Here are a few instances when you should definitely wash your hands. These are not the only ones, though – think about where you’ve been – a healthcare or daycare facility, for example – and do it as many times as you need to

Be sure to wash your hands:

1. Before and after coming in contact with food

2. Before and after wearing gloves

3. After using the bathroom

4. After touching garbage

5. When they are visibly dirty or feel dirty

6. After blowing your nose

7. After coming in contact with high-touch surfaces, like door handles, escalator rails and elevator buttons

8. After shaking hands with other people

Download your Hand Wash sign here.