Who knew the world would suddenly be obsessed with washing hands, selecting sanitizers and buying handsoaps one day? Any medical guidelines around the globe now endorse hand hygiene. Though most of us know what this means vaguely; and we are sure to wash/clean our hands often– it’s hard to figure how to properly maintain hand-hygiene, select a soap or a sanitizer that actually works, which one is more effective and how to use them properly. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 

alcohol-based hand sanitizers may help reduce the germs and bacteria on your hands, but they can not eliminate all types of bacteria. 

They are specifically less effective if you have dirt, grease, or similar substances on your hands. 

As compared to using soap and water: soap kills germs, restricts them, and physically helps remove them, along with water, from your skin.

Note: it has NOT been scientifically proven that antibacterial hand soap is more beneficial as compared to regular hand soap. You may go ahead and go the extra mile and use antibacterial soap, but you do not need it to remove the bacteria from your hands. 

Below is the seven-step handwashing technique endorsed by the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) as stated in Healthline:

Steps to washing your hands properly

– Wet your hands with clean — preferably running — water.

– Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands and wrists.

– Lather and rub your hands together briskly and thoroughly. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands, fingertips,

fingernails, and wrists. 

– Scrub your hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds.

– Rinse your hands and wrists under clean — preferably running — water.

– Dry your hands and wrists with a clean towel, or let them air-dry.

 – Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

Here’s how to pick the right sanitiser

However, it is more convenient to bring a bottle of hand sanitizer when leaving the house. Here’s what to look for when you want to resort to a sanitizer:

– Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol. 

– Follow the bottle’s directions on how much to use and apply considerably onto the palm of one hand. 

– Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry, about 20 seconds. 

Whatever you may choose to use to keep your hands clean, ensure that you are consistent with it. That in itself will help reduce the possibility of coming into contact with any bacteria. Alternatively, you may also use both hand sanitizer and soap and water. I mean, what’s to lose? 

To avoid dry hands, use a moisturizing soap and avoid hot water. It’s best to wash hands before/after you touch food, take medication, go outside even for a short while and touch things that are remote to you. 

Happy handwashing, people.