{"id":270,"date":"2020-05-12T11:49:58","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T01:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gregkeilychemist.com.au\/blog\/?p=270"},"modified":"2025-06-11T11:54:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T01:54:55","slug":"how-to-wash-your-hands-correctly-a-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gregkeilychemist.com.au\/blog\/2020\/05\/12\/how-to-wash-your-hands-correctly-a-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash Your Hands Correctly – A Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the best ways to kill the coronavirus before it gets into your system is through proper handwashing. Emphasis on proper<\/em>. If you are not familiar with the proper technique, here\u2019s a complete guide on how to wash your hands correctly.<\/p>\n

The Right Sequence<\/h2>\n

Applying soap and rinsing with water isn\u2019t all there is to proper handwashing. There is a right sequence in doing it to make sure that it effectively cleans your hands. Below are the steps of the correct handwashing sequence:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Wet your hands completely with warm running water.<\/li>\n
  2. Apply a generous amount of soap.<\/li>\n
  3. Rub your hands together away from the water. Begin with your palms.<\/li>\n
  4. Rub your fingers and the spaces between them.<\/li>\n
  5. Rub your nails against your palm and clean the underside of each nail.<\/li>\n
  6. Rub the back of your hands.<\/li>\n
  7. Rinse your hands with clean running water.<\/li>\n
  8. Use a clean cloth towel, tissue, or paper towel to dry your hands.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How Long to Wash For?<\/h2>\n

    When washing your hands with the right sequence, don\u2019t do it in a hurry. You need to spend enough time to completely rid your hands of dirt, bacteria, and viruses. According to studies, 20 seconds to one minute is the most ideal length of time for handwashing. It\u2019s not that long. Just sing \u201cHappy Birthday\u201d twice, though it\u2019s no one\u2019s birthday, and you can rest assured that your hands are 100% clean.<\/p>\n

    What to Wash With?<\/h2>\n

    It\u2019s always best to wash your hands with soap and water. But if you don\u2019t have immediate access to both, you can instead apply alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol to keep your hands clean. This product does not require water, so you can use it wherever you go. Apply the right amount as indicated on the product\u2019s label, then rub it all over your hands until it dries. Using alcohol-based hand wipes will also do, but still, make sure to wash your hands whenever you got the chance.<\/p>\n

    When to wash?<\/h2>\n

    You need to wash your hands at every opportunity that you can. Make handwashing a habit so there\u2019s no chance of forgetting it even when you\u2019re busy at home or work. However, handwashing is a priority if you\u2019re coming from public spaces like parks, restaurants, shops, or public transport. You have a higher risk of picking up germs and viruses in such places so you need to wash your hands immediately.<\/p>\n

    Handwashing is also a must before eating, caring for a baby or sick person, wearing contact lenses, and treating wounds. You also need to wash your hands after doing the following:<\/p>\n