3 Ways To Wash Your Hands Effectively

Washing hands often has become a new routine after COVID-19. It is the best way to keep ourselves away from germs and microbes. We cannot keep track of all the microbes we are in contact with throughout the day. So, it is best to wash your hands properly whenever required to prevent the early symptoms of COVID-19.

 This article will help you to know the 3 best ways to wash your hands effectively.

1. Basic Hand wash

Washing hands should be practiced as a usual routine to keep yourself hale and healthy. If you are at home doing general stuff or cooking, basic hand wash with water will be fine. Antimicrobial soaps are not required every time while washing hands. People might also be allergic to certain chemicals from the soap. Moreover, frequent usage of chemical soaps and hand wash might damage the skin. So, it is better to use non-antimicrobial soaps during your basic hand washes. 

When should you wash your hands with just water?

• Before and after cooking. Using soaps before and after cooking shall be discomforting.
• Before changing the contact lenses.
• Before playing with kids and babies.
• To remove mud and transient microorganisms.

How to wash the hands with water?

• Gently place your hands in running water and wet them properly. 
• Scrub your entire palm, fingers and wrists in frictional motion.
• Continue the same for 15 to 20 seconds. Switch off the tap.
• Softly pat the hands in a dry towel as wet hands can seize the dirt easily.

Wherever you are, basic hand wash is mandatory. Hot water is not essential for washing hands. Normal or lukewarm water would be fine. You can use a mild or non-antimicrobial solution if needed.

Contaminated water might be exposed to bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. So, it is always safe to use running water for cleaning hands. Follow this easiest method to wash hands and stay germ free.  

2. Antiseptic Handwash

Antiseptic hand wash is most required when you are back home after being in contact with all the external surroundings. From the office to the vehicle, you have no idea from where these germs could possibly be spread. You will need a strong antimicrobial or antiseptic hand wash or soap to get rid of all the infectious viruses. 

If you are a person who is often exposed to germs, then you have to definitely use antiseptic hand wash and wash your hands regularly to be tidy and clean. Knowing when to wash the hands is as substantial as washing the hands itself. 

When to wash your hands with antiseptic soap and water?

Always remember to wash hands with soap after:

• Arriving home from work.
• Using toilets and changing diapers for babies.
• Visiting hospitals and being in contact with people having an infectious illness.
• Touching and playing with pets, birds and animals.
• Coughing and Sneezing.
• Cleaning the house and handling garbage.
• Handling cuts and wounds.
• Being outdoors for shopping, playing, walking, etc.
• Before and after eating food.

Few people will not concentrate much on the handwashing part. They wash too quickly without using enough soap and water. This will not be effective in cleansing the hand. Hence, practicing a proper handwashing technique plays an important part in preventing toxic pathogens. 

How to wash hands with Antimicrobial soap and water?

Here we have described the right method to wash hands with antiseptic soap or hand wash.

• Firstly, moist your hands with clean running water.
• Use Antiseptic soap or hand wash and rub it all over the palm, fingers, front, and back of the hand. Don’t forget the part between fingers and wash till wrists.
• Scrub your hand for 20 to 30 seconds. The soapy formula takes away all the microbes.
• Wash your hands thoroughly in the water and gently dry the hands with clean paper or cotton towel.

Now, your hands are free from all the parasites. Do not remove your rings and jewelry while washing hands as they might also be unveiled to germs and remember to wash hands at least for 30 seconds. 

3. Using Antiseptic Sanitizers

Sanitizers are a great relief if you want to clean your hands without soap and water. Washing hands with water will not be comfortable all the time. If soap and water are not available, Sanitizer could be a perfect choice to remove all the harmful bacteria and viruses. 

Hands are the first part that is more likely to get caught by risky microbes. We unconsciously touch eyes, nose, and mouth using hands which increases the chance of getting infected. So, having clean hands will possibly prevent the spread of all contagious illnesses. Protecting kids from sickness is itself a big task as they are open to germs and impurities in school. Practicing them to use a sanitizer will help them to achieve good health.

Benefits of using Sanitizers:

• Kills the microorganism without soap and water.
• Compact and easy to carry.
• Readily available and can be used to protect hands whenever and wherever required. No need to look for a sink and water every time.
• Takes less time to cleanse hands than soap and water.

Knowing when and how to wash the hands is an important step in avoiding the spread of infections in office, school or home. 

How to use Sanitizer?

• Pour Sanitizer gel in the hand.
• Rub it gently over the palm. Pay attention to the backs of the hands, fingertips, and gap between the fingers as these are normally missed. 

Hand sanitizers dry quickly unlike soap and hence you don’t want tissue or towel to dry them separately. Sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol content to work better. It is much useful in eliminating microorganisms and it will not be helpful if you are exposed to heavy dirt and dust.

“Love is in the air, and so are germs. Wash your hands.”

Conclusion

Hand washing is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to prevent the spread of microbes and pathogens. Keeping your hands clean will not only make you healthy but also your close ones and all of them whom you will be in contact with. Maintain good hand hygiene and create a healthy environment in and around.