How to Wash Hands: A Helpful Guide

Why is hand hygiene important?

As we go about our daily lives, our hands come into contact with around 600,000 types of germs. And, while just a small amount of these germs are harmful to us, it’s vital that we wash our hands regularly throughout the day. This is the most effective way of minimising the spread of viruses such as the flu.

When should you wash your hands?

You should wash your hands regularly throughout the day but always before eating or preparing food, using the toilet, after blowing your nose or coughing or sneezing, after changing a nappy, touching animals or using public transport. If you’re out and about and don’t have immediate access to running water and soap, you should carry a small anti-bacterial gel with you so you can keep your hands sanitised in the meantime. It’s also important to not touch your face when you know your hands are not completely clean.

How to wash your hands properly

The NHS advises washing your hands for 20 seconds to ensure they’re completely clean. Start by wetting your hands with fresh, warm water from a tap and apply enough soap to completely cover both hands. Rub your hands together, then use one hand to rub the back of your other hand with soap. Clean in between your fingers and then repeat on your other hand. Rub your hands together and clean in between your fingers, before rubbing the back of your fingers against your palms. Next rub your thumb using your other hand and do the same with the other thumb. Finally rub the tips of your fingers on the palm of your other hand, repeating with the other hand and rinsing with warm water. Dry your hands thoroughly with a disposable towel if outside your home.

Areas most often missed during hand washing

The most common areas that are missed during hand washing are the tips of the fingers, palms of the hand, and the thumbs. These areas of the hands can still carry bacteria so it’s important that you wash them thoroughly.

What products should I use for hygienic hand washing?

You should always wash your hands using a liquid hand wash or bar of soap, preferably with anti-bacterial ingredients. Palmolive’s Aloe Vera Hand Wash contains extract of aloe vera and a natural ingredient with antibacterial properties. Its mild formulation is also suitable for sensitive skin and leaves your hands hygienic and clean while removing 99% of bacteria.

Printable hand washing instructions

Step 1: Start by wetting your hands with fresh, warm water from a tap and apply enough soap to completely cover both hands.

Step 2: Rub your hands together, then use one hand to rub the back of your other hand with soap.

Step 3: Clean in between your fingers and then repeat on your other hand.

Step 4: Rub your hands together and clean in between your fingers, before rubbing the back of your fingers against your palms.

Step 5: Next rub your thumb using your other hand and do the same with the other thumb.

Step 6: Finally rub the tips of your fingers on the palm of your other hand, repeating with the other hand and rinsing with warm water. This whole process should take 20 seconds.

Step 7: Dry your hands thoroughly with a disposable towel if outside your home.