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Hand Washing Technique

Hand Washing Technique

One of the most important things you can do to prevent the flu is washing your hands frequently with good hand washing technique. Wash with anti-bacterial soap and water. It is recommended not to use hot water because over time it can cause skin irritation. Any liquid, bar, or powdered soap will work but a liquid is the preferred. Follow the steps below for good technique:

  1. Turn on the faucet.
  2. Wet hands.
  3. Apply soap.
  4. Rub hands vigorously with soap and water for 15-30 seconds (sing Happy Birthday to yourself twice!).
  5. Rinse hands.
  6. Dry hands with a disposable towel, not a multiple use cloth towel.
  7. Turn off faucet using the towel.
  8. Exit the restroom by grabbing the door handle with the towel, then throw towel away.

And there you have it! Eight easy steps to clean germ-free hands!

What If I Don't Have Water Nearby?

Use an alcohol-based hand rub. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best thing and is actually preferred if your hands are not visibly soiled. It is easy to get a small container for your book bag and a larger one in your car or dorm to refill the small one with. Make sure that your hand sanitizer contains 60%--95% ethanol or isopropanol. There are other chemical-based hand sanitizers, however, alcohol-based is the most common, easily accessible and most effective.  In our cold-weather environment you may want to consider a moisturizing type.

Page content reviewed: 06/04/18 fwg