The Importance of Proper Handwashing

Developing Good Hand Hygiene

When it comes to preventing the spread of illness-causing germs and bacteria, good hand hygiene is key. The health experts at ATRIO are here to outline some simple steps to make sure you’re using proper handwashing techniques.

How Germs Spread from Person to Person

Because we use our hands every day for most of our activities, it’s no mystery that they’re the perfect conduit for germs. When you go about your day with unwashed hands, it can be easy to transfer germs to communal surfaces and even from person to person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), germs and bacteria are spread in the following ways:

• Touching unclean surfaces.
• Preparing food with unwashed hands.
• Coughing and sneezing into your hands without sanitizing them afterward.
• Rubbing your eyes or touching your nose or mouth with dirty hands.
• Eating with unwashed hands.

Proper Handwashing Techniques

Although most people acknowledge that handwashing is important, most people in the world don’t actually wash their hands properly. When washing your hands, be sure to follow these steps:

• Wet your hands with warm, running water.
• Lather your hands with antibacterial soap, getting all the surfaces of your hands.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands with clean, running water.
• Dry your hands with a clean paper towel or air dry them.

When soap and water aren’t available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead. Make sure that the sanitizer you are using is at least 60% alcohol and follow the instructions as outlined on the packaging.