7 Steps of Handwashing and Why It Is Important

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.¹

1. Wet Your Hands

Start by turning on clean, warm, preferably running water and thoroughly wetting your hands. Ensure your hands are fully saturated, as this helps the soap lather effectively and removes initial dirt or germs.²

2. Apply Soap

Turn off the tap water to conserve water while you apply soap to your hands.² 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

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.¹

4. Scrub Hands and Wrists for 20 Seconds

Remember to clean the backs of your hands. Rub the back of one hand with the palm of the other, making sure to scrub between your fingers. Germs often hide between your fingers, so it's essential to scrub this area thoroughly. Rub between each finger by interlacing your fingers and scrubbing with soap and water.⁴

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.⁴

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.⁴

7. Use a Towel to Turn the Faucet Off

After washing your hands, it’s important to avoid recontaminating them by touching the faucet with clean hands. Using a clean towel or paper towel to turn off the faucet, may help prevent picking up any germs that may be lingering on the surface.⁵

This simple step ensures that your hands remain clean and minimizes the risk of transferring germs back onto your skin immediately after washing.⁶

How Long to Wash Your Hands

You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove dirt, germs, and harmful bacteria.⁵ A good way to time this is by humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice from start to finish while you scrub all parts of your hands. This ensures you clean not only the palms but also the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.¹

When to Wash

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:²

• After using the bathroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After touching garbage or handling dirty dishes
• After caring for someone who is sick
• After touching animals, their food, or waste
• After changing diapers or cleaning up after a child who has used the bathroom
• After coming in from outside or touching surfaces in public spaces, like door handles or shopping carts
• After touching compost or garbage
• Any time your hands have grime or dirt on them
• Before and after preparing or handling food
• Before eating
• Before and after treating a wound or cut
• Before and after putting in contact lenses

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.⁷

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.⁷

Hand Sanitizer vs. Handwashing

While soap and water are the most effective way to clean your hands, hand sanitizer can 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.²

Here’s how to properly use hand sanitizer:²

• Choose a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for effective germ-killing action.
• Squeeze the recommended amount of sanitizer into the palm of one hand (check the label for specific instructions).
• Rub your hands together, making sure to cover all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, around your fingernails, and on your cuticles.
• Continue rubbing until your hands are completely dry, which ensures the sanitizer has done its job.
• Remember, if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, hand sanitizer may not be as effective. In these cases, washing with soap and water is essential to remove dirt and germs properly.

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.⁸ 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:⁸

• Contains petroleum or mineral oil
• Dry-free and fragrance-free
• Comes in a tube, not a bottle

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 a dermatologist. 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.⁸

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.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About handwashing.
2. MedlinePlus. Handwashing.
3. Toney-Butler TJ, Gasner A, Carver N. Hand hygiene. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When and how to wash your hands.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand hygiene frequently asked questions.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Handwashing facts.
7. Food and Drug Administration. Skip the antibacterial soap; use plain soap and water.
8. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Dry skin relief from COVID-19 handwashing.

Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.verywellhealth.com by Sarah Jividen, RN where all credits are due. Medically reviewed by Josephine Hessert, DO.

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