The Power of Clean Hands

Keeping your hands clean is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy and stop the spread of germs. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, practicing good hand hygiene protects you and those around you from illnesses like colds, flu, and stomach bugs.

Hand Washing vs. Hand Sanitizer: What’s the Difference?

1. Hand Washing with Soap and Water

• How it Works: Washing with soap and water doesn’t just rinse off visible dirt—it physically removes germs from your skin. The lather and friction created by rubbing your hands together help lift germs, dirt, and oils, which are then washed down the drain.

  
  

• Effectiveness: Especially effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, after using the bathroom, before eating, and after handling raw food or garbage.

• Bonus: Soap and water can remove a broader range of germs and chemicals than sanitizer alone.

2. Hand Sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)

• How it Works: Hand sanitizers kill many types of germs on contact, but don’t actually remove dirt or debris. The alcohol in the gel disrupts the germs’ outer coating, neutralizing them.

• Effectiveness: Great for quick cleaning when soap and water aren’t available—like after touching public surfaces, handling money, or petting animals.

• Limitations: Not as effective if hands are visibly dirty or greasy, and doesn’t remove harmful chemicals.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer Properly

Apply enough to cover all surfaces of your hands.

• Rub hands together thoroughly, making sure to get between your fingers and under your nails.

• Let it air dry—don’t wipe or rinse your hands before it dries (about 20 seconds).

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

To keep yourself and others healthy, wash your hands at these key times:

1.       Before, during, and after preparing food

2.       Before eating

3.       Before and after caring for someone who is sick

4.       Before and after treating a cut or wound

5.       After using the toilet

6.       After changing diapers or cleaning up a child

7.       After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

8.       After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste

9.       After handling pet food or treats

10.   After touching garbage

Why Hand Hygiene Matters

Germs travel easily from hands to mouth, nose, and eyes, and from hands to surfaces and other people. You can pick up germs by:

• Touching your face with unwashed hands

• Preparing or eating food with dirty hands

  
  

• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects

  
  

•   Coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose and then touching others or shared items

The Five Steps to Perfect Hand Washing

1.     Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2.     Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Don’t forget the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3.     Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice or the ABCs once.

4.      Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5.      Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.

Hand hygiene - to cleaning your hands properly to remove dirt, germs, and harmful substances, helping to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. It's a critical part of personal and public health.