TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Why Is Hand Washing So Important?
2. When Should You Wash Your Hands?
3. How to Wash Your Hands Properly
4. The Do’s of Hand Washing
5. The Don’ts of Hand Washing
6. Hand Sanitizer: When and How to Use It

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Hand washing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and infections. 

It’s a daily routine we often take for granted, but when done properly, hand hygiene can save lives. 

From reducing the spread of common colds to protecting against serious illnesses like COVID-19, proper hand washing is essential for personal and public health.

Why Is Hand Washing So Important?

Our hands come into contact with countless germs every day from touching doorknobs and phones to handling food or shaking hands. 

These germs can easily be transferred to our mouth, nose, eyes, or onto other people or surfaces.

Regular hand washing with soap and water helps:

• Remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses
• Prevent the spread of infections
• Reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses
• Prevent foodborne illnesses

In both healthcare and daily life, hand hygiene remains one of the most powerful tools in infection prevention.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

It’s important to wash your hands frequently, especially at key moments such as:

• Before eating or preparing food
• After using the toilet
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After touching garbage
• Before and after caring for a sick person
• After touching animals or animal waste
• After coming home from public places (e.g., transport, shops, office)

If soap and water are not available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative, though not a full substitute.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Proper hand washing isn’t just about a quick rinse. To truly clean your hands, follow these steps:

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. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. A good way to time it is by humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Soap is essential, not just water. It helps lift dirt and germs from the skin, allowing them to be rinsed away.

The Do’s of Hand Washing

Here are the things you should always do to maintain good hand hygiene:

• Use soap every time. Soap helps break down oils and germs that water alone cannot remove.
• Scrub for a full 20 seconds. This ensures you’re removing most microbes.
• Wash all parts of your hands. Don’t forget thumbs, fingertips, and between fingers.
• Use a clean towel. Dirty towels can reintroduce germs.
• Encourage kids to wash hands. Teach them good habits early.

The Don’ts of Hand Washing

To avoid undermining your hygiene routine, make sure not to do the following:

• Don’t rush. A 5-second rinse isn’t enough to remove germs effectively.
• Don’t skip soap. It’s the key ingredient that breaks down germs/
• Don’t touch dirty surfaces right after. Be cautious with doorknobs and faucets, use a tissue or elbow if needed.
• Don’t rely on hand sanitizers alone. While convenient, they are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
• Don’t ignore skin care. Overwashing or using harsh soaps can dry out your hands, use a gentle moisturizer regularly.

Hand Sanitizer: When and How to Use It

Hand sanitizers are useful when soap and water aren’t available, especially when you’re outdoors or traveling. However, they must be used properly:

• Use a product that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Apply enough to cover all surfaces of your hands.
• Rub until your hands are completely dry, don’t wipe or rinse it off.

Sanitizers don’t remove all types of germs (like norovirus), and they may be less effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands.

Conclusion

Hand washing is a simple yet powerful habit that everyone should master. By understanding the correct technique and knowing the do’s and don’ts, you can protect yourself and those around you from preventable illnesses.

So the next time you reach for the sink, remember: take your time, use soap, scrub thoroughly, and do it often. Clean hands aren’t just about hygiene, they’re a daily act of care for your health and your community.

If you ever feel your body is not well, or if you or your loved ones develop signs of infection despite good hygiene, don’t wait to seek help.

Contact our English-speaking doctor directly from your smartphone  using the Halodoc app at any time. Doctors are available 24 hours to answer your questions.

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References:

Healthline. Accessed in 2025. How Washing Your Hands Keeps You Healthy.

Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Hand-washing: Do’s and don’ts.

CDC. Accessed in 2025. About Handwashing.

WebMD. Accessed in 2025. What Happens When You Don’t Wash Your Hands.