Know how to wash your hands properly and why is it important

On this Global Handwashing Day it is important that we learn and above all teach our children how to wash their hands properly. Dirty hands can carry many disease-causing viruses. It is therefore important to know when and how to wash your hands.

We’ve seen a lot of handwashing ads claiming to reduce handwashing time simply because their soap is so strong. But that’s not how it works. According to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is an appropriate handwashing technique. According to the instructions, you have to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, no matter what soap you use.

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 are spread through dirty hands. You can spread germs through your hands if:

* They cook or eat 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 when you cough or sneeze and then do not wash them

If experts claim that you can stop the spread of diseases like the coronavirus or diarrheal infections just by washing your hands for 20 seconds, why not?

Here’s how to wash your hands properly, as recommended by the CDC:

Step 1

Wet your hands under clean running water. It is best to use warm water as this helps ward off germs better than cold water.

step 2

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

step 3

Repeat these steps for at least 20 seconds. Meanwhile, sing a song or look at yourself in the mirror, but rub yourself for 20 seconds. Be careful not to be too rough when rubbing, be gentle.

step 4

Put your hands under the tap water and rinse off the foam thoroughly.

step 5

Dry your hands with a clean towel or use an air dryer. Don’t rub them on your clothes as this will get them dirty again.

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