What is The Correct Order Of Steps For Handwashing | 12 Easy Ways
Handwashing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of illness. I want to share my personal experience on this essential practice, focusing on what is the correct order of steps for handwashing.
The correct order handwashing involves wetting your hands, applying soap, scrubbing thoroughly, rinsing, and drying.
12 Ways Of What is The Correct Order Of Steps For Handwashing
Now, let’s explore what is the correct order of steps for handwashing. I’ve found that following a systematic approach makes it easier to remember and ensures that no area is overlooked. Here’s how I do it:
- Wet Your Hands
Start by wetting your hands with clean, running water warm or cold. This step helps to loosen dirt and germs. - Apply Soap
Next, apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands. I usually use about a quarter-sized amount. - Rub Your Hands Together
Rub your hands palm to palm to create a lather. This is where the magic happens! Make sure to scrub all areas including between your fingers and under your nails. - Interlace Fingers
Place your right palm over your left hand’s dorsum (the back) and interlace your fingers while rubbing. Repeat this step with the opposite hand. - Scrub Palms Together
With fingers interlaced, rub your palms together again to ensure thorough cleaning. - Clean the Backs of Your Fingers
Rub the backs of your fingers against the opposite palm with fingers interlocked. This step is often overlooked but is vital for cleanliness. - Thumb Cleaning
Grasp your left thumb with your right palm and rotate it gently; repeat with the other thumb. This helps remove germs that may be hiding around your thumbs. - Fingertips Scrubbing
Rotate the tips of your fingers in the opposite palm back and forth to clean under your nails and fingertips thoroughly. - Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water until all soap is gone. I find that rinsing properly helps remove any remaining germs. - Dry Your Hands
Dry your hands completely using a single-use towel or air dryer. If using a towel, I recommend using it to turn off the faucet afterward to avoid recontamination. - Dispose of Towel Properly
If you used a paper towel, dispose of it in a trash bin immediately after drying. - Enjoy Clean Hands!
Congratulations! Your hands are now clean and free from harmful germs.
Do’s
✔️Wet hands
✔️Apply soap
✔️Scrub thoroughly
✔️ Rinse well
✔️Dry hands
Don’t’s
❌Skip washing
❌Use hot water
❌Touch surfaces
❌Wash with running water
❌Use antibacterial soap
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
Understanding what is the correct order of steps for handwashing is essential, but knowing when to wash your hands is equally important. Here are some key moments when I make it a point to wash my hands:
- Before and after preparing food
- Before eating
- After using the restroom
- After coughing or sneezing
- After touching shared surfaces (like doorknobs or light switches)
- After handling garbage or pets
Read Also: Is Carpet Cleaning a Profitable Business?
Why Handwashing Matters?
Why handwashing is so crucial. Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, making them prime carriers of germs and bacteria.
Effective handwashing can significantly reduce the risk of illnesses such as colds, flu, and foodborne diseases.
In fact, studies show that proper hand hygiene can lower the incidence of gastrointestinal illnesses by up to 31%!
Additional Queries Of What is The Correct Order Of Steps For Handwashing
When Using PPE Gloves, When Should You Perform Hand Hygiene?
When I’m using PPE gloves like during healthcare tasks or cleaning it’s crucial to perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves and immediately after removing them.
This prevents cross-contamination and ensures that any germs on my hands don’t transfer from gloves back onto my skin or surfaces.
How Long Should You Lather Your Hands When Hand Washing?
I often remind myself that lathering should last at least 20 seconds for effective cleaning this duration helps ensure that all areas are scrubbed thoroughly enough to remove germs effectively.
Read Also: How to Clean Fabric Dining Chairs at Home | 7 Easy Ways
What Is the Correct Order of Steps for Cleaning and Sanitizing Utensils by Hand?
Cleaning utensils involves a slightly different process but still requires attention to detail:
- Rinse utensils under warm water.
- Apply dish soap.
- Scrub all surfaces with a sponge or cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Sanitize if necessary (using a bleach solution or sanitizer).
- Air dry or use a clean towel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering what is the correct order of steps for handwashing can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. By following these steps diligently, we can protect ourselves and those around us from harmful infections.
I hope you found this guide helpful! Remember, proper hand hygiene is not just a habit; it’s a lifestyle choice that contributes to our overall health. Let’s make handwashing a priority in our daily routines!
