How to Properly Wash Your Hands According to the CDC

I keep telling my kids to wash their hands. I feel like I am saying it constantly like a broken record. For good reason tough, COVID-19 is nothing to mess around with and handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.

It's so important to stay healthy and on top of things by taking preventitive measures. I was in a public restroom the first person walked out without washing her hands and the second person ran their hands under water for a few seconds and didn't use soap. I can't stress how important it is to wash your hands properly. It's important to wash them often and avoid touching your face. Seriously, stop touching your face.

Photo: Alli Mae

Here are th key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage

5 Step to Follow Everytime:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Make sure you use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Sanitizers can reduce the number of germs, but isn't the most effective.

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.

Source: CDC

Filed Under: cdc handwashing tips, proper hand washing

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