6 Steps Of Hand Washing According To WHO: A Complete Guide

Hey guys! You know how important it is to keep our hands clean, right? Especially now, with everything going around, washing our hands properly is super crucial. But are you sure you're doing it right? The World Health Organization (WHO) has laid out 6 simple steps to make sure we're all washing our hands effectively. Let's dive into these steps and make sure we're all pros at keeping those germs away!

Why is Hand Washing Important?

Okay, before we get into the nitty-gritty of the steps, let's quickly chat about why hand washing is so important in the first place. I mean, we all know it's good, but do we really understand just how good? Washing your hands regularly and correctly can significantly reduce the spread of various diseases and infections. Think about it – your hands touch everything throughout the day: doorknobs, phones, money, and countless other surfaces teeming with bacteria and viruses. Without proper hand hygiene, these germs can easily hitch a ride into your body, leading to all sorts of unpleasant illnesses, from the common cold to more serious infections.

Hand washing is a simple yet powerful tool in preventing the transmission of germs. When you wash your hands with soap and water, you're physically removing these harmful microorganisms from your skin. Soap helps to lift the germs from your hands, and the water washes them away. This simple act can protect not only yourself but also those around you, especially vulnerable individuals like young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. In healthcare settings, hand hygiene is paramount in preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections, which can have devastating consequences. By diligently washing our hands, we contribute to a healthier and safer environment for everyone.

Moreover, hand washing is not just about preventing illness; it's also about promoting overall hygiene and well-being. Clean hands feel good, and knowing that you're taking proactive steps to protect your health can boost your confidence and peace of mind. Incorporating regular hand washing into your daily routine is a simple yet effective way to maintain good health and contribute to a healthier community. So, let's make hand washing a habit and embrace the power of clean hands!

The 6 Steps of Hand Washing According to WHO

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are the six magical steps recommended by WHO to ensure your hands are squeaky clean:

Step 1: Wet Your Hands

First things first, turn on the tap and wet your hands with clean, running water. The temperature doesn't really matter too much, as long as it's comfortable for you. The key here is to make sure your hands are thoroughly wet before you reach for the soap. Think of it like prepping a canvas before you start painting – you need that wet base for the soap to work its magic!

Why is this step so important, you ask? Well, wetting your hands helps to loosen the dirt and grime that may be clinging to your skin. It also prepares your hands for the soap, allowing it to lather up properly and effectively remove germs. Using running water is crucial because it ensures that the dirt and germs are washed away rather than simply being redistributed on your hands. Avoid using standing water, as it may contain contaminants that could recontaminate your hands. Remember, we're aiming for cleanliness here, so always opt for fresh, running water to start the hand washing process.

Also, be mindful of the amount of water you use. While it's important to wet your hands thoroughly, there's no need to waste water unnecessarily. Turn the tap on just enough to get your hands wet, and avoid letting the water run continuously while you're soaping and scrubbing. Every little bit helps in conserving water and protecting our environment. So, wet your hands thoroughly, but be mindful of water usage – it's a win-win for both your health and the planet!

Step 2: Apply Soap

Next up, grab that soap! Use enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands. Whether it's liquid soap, bar soap, it doesn't really matter. Just make sure you're using a proper soap, not just water alone. The soap is the hero here, breaking down the germs and nasties on your hands. Make sure you apply it generously, covering every nook and cranny.

The type of soap you use can also make a difference. While any soap is better than no soap, antibacterial soaps may offer additional protection against certain types of bacteria. However, it's important to note that regular soap and water are generally just as effective in removing most germs, and overuse of antibacterial soaps can contribute to antibiotic resistance. So, unless you're in a healthcare setting or have a specific reason to use antibacterial soap, regular soap and water should suffice for most situations.

When applying the soap, be sure to rub it all over your hands, including the palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. These are all areas where germs tend to hide, so it's important to give them extra attention. Don't forget to lather the soap well, as the lather helps to lift the dirt and germs from your skin. Aim for a rich, foamy lather that covers all surfaces of your hands, ensuring that every part of your hand is thoroughly cleansed. So, grab that soap, lather up generously, and get ready to banish those germs!

Step 3: Rub Your Hands Together

Now, rub your hands together vigorously! This isn't just a quick little scrub; we're talking about a proper, thorough rubbing. Interlace your fingers and make sure you get in between each one. Don't forget the backs of your hands, your wrists, and under your fingernails. This step should take at least 20-30 seconds. That might seem like a long time, but trust me, it's worth it to get rid of those pesky germs!

Why is vigorous rubbing so important? Well, it's all about friction. The friction created by rubbing your hands together helps to dislodge dirt, debris, and germs from the surface of your skin. By interlacing your fingers and scrubbing between them, you're ensuring that you reach all those hard-to-reach areas where germs love to hide. The backs of your hands and wrists are also often overlooked, so make sure to give them some extra attention.

To make sure you're rubbing your hands for the right amount of time, try humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice from beginning to end. This should take around 20-30 seconds, giving you a handy timer to guide you. Alternatively, you can find a catchy tune that lasts about the same amount of time and sing along while you scrub. Just make sure you're focusing on the task at hand (pun intended!) and not getting too distracted by your singing. So, rub those hands together vigorously, hum a little tune, and get ready to scrub those germs away!

Step 4: Rinse Your Hands

Time to rinse! Use clean, running water to rinse all the soap off your hands. Make sure there's no soapy residue left behind. Soap can sometimes irritate the skin if left on for too long, so a thorough rinse is key. Keep rinsing until your hands feel completely clean and smooth.

Rinsing your hands thoroughly is crucial for removing all traces of soap and the germs that it has dislodged. Any remaining soap residue can attract dirt and bacteria, negating the effects of hand washing. Using clean, running water ensures that the soap and germs are washed away effectively, leaving your hands clean and refreshed.

When rinsing, pay attention to all areas of your hands, including the palms, backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. These are the same areas that you focused on during the scrubbing process, so it's important to ensure that they are thoroughly rinsed as well. Use your fingertips to gently scrub under your fingernails to remove any trapped dirt or debris. Continue rinsing until your hands feel completely clean and there is no more soapy residue visible.

Step 5: Dry Your Hands

Now that your hands are squeaky clean, it's time to dry them. Use a clean towel or air dry them. If you're using a towel, make sure it's clean to avoid recontaminating your hands. If you're in a public restroom, paper towels are usually the best option. Drying your hands is just as important as washing them, as damp hands can attract more germs.

Why is drying your hands so important? Well, studies have shown that damp hands can harbor more germs than dry hands. When your hands are wet, they provide a moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. By drying your hands thoroughly, you're removing this moisture and reducing the risk of recontamination.

The method you use to dry your hands can also make a difference. Paper towels are generally considered to be the most hygienic option, as they are single-use and disposable. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria if they are not laundered frequently, so it's important to use a clean towel each time you dry your hands. Air dryers can also be effective, but it's important to ensure that they are well-maintained and equipped with filters to prevent the spread of germs.

Step 6: Use the Towel to Turn Off the Faucet

This is a sneaky little trick! After you've dried your hands, use the same towel to turn off the faucet. This prevents you from recontaminating your clean hands by touching the dirty faucet handles. It's a small step, but it can make a big difference in keeping those germs at bay.

Faucets are notorious for harboring germs, as they are frequently touched by many people throughout the day. By using a clean towel to turn off the faucet, you're creating a barrier between your clean hands and the contaminated faucet handle. This simple step can help to prevent the transfer of germs from the faucet to your hands, keeping them clean and protected.

If you're using a paper towel, simply grab a fresh towel and use it to turn off the faucet. If you're using a cloth towel, fold it in half so that you're using a clean section of the towel to touch the faucet handle. After turning off the faucet, dispose of the towel in a designated waste bin. By following this simple step, you're adding an extra layer of protection to your hand washing routine and minimizing the risk of recontamination.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Okay, so now you know how to wash your hands properly, but when should you be doing it? Here are some key times to remember:

• Before eating or preparing food: This is a no-brainer. You don't want to be transferring any germs from your hands to your food.
• After using the toilet: Another obvious one, but it's worth repeating. Always wash your hands after using the restroom.
• After coughing or sneezing: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then wash your hands immediately afterward.
• After touching surfaces in public places: Think doorknobs, handrails, and shopping carts. These surfaces can be teeming with germs.
• After handling garbage: Garbage is a breeding ground for bacteria, so always wash your hands after taking out the trash.
• Before and after touching a wound: Cleaning your hands before and after tending to a wound can help prevent infection.
• After being in contact with someone who is sick: If you've been around someone who is ill, washing your hands can help prevent you from catching their germs.

Hand Sanitizer: A Good Alternative?

What about hand sanitizer? Is it as good as soap and water? Well, hand sanitizer can be a good alternative when soap and water aren't available, but it's not quite as effective. Hand sanitizer needs to have at least 60% alcohol to be effective, and it doesn't remove dirt and grime like soap and water do. So, if your hands are visibly dirty, stick to soap and water. But if you're out and about and don't have access to a sink, hand sanitizer is definitely better than nothing!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The 6 steps of hand washing according to WHO. It might seem like a lot, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. And trust me, your body will thank you for it! Washing your hands properly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick. So let's all make a conscious effort to keep those hands clean and healthy! Stay safe and stay healthy, everyone!