You’ve Been Washing Your Hands All Wrong

Good hand hygiene is instilled into us since our childhood – we wash our hands before eating, after going to the washroom, and basically after doing anything that can make them dirty. Although most of us do follow this, the question is – are we doing it right?
Apparently, not!

According to a study conducted by Michigan State University, 95 percent of us are washing our hands all wrong.

Although washing hands sounds simple, the majority of us make mistakes that make our hand washing less effective, leaving us susceptible to flu and other infections.

Check if you are guilty of these common handwashing mistakes:

Rushing the Wash

Picture this: You are in a rush, you use plenty of Dettol hand wash and water, however, you speed through washing your hands.

The outcome: Your hands are probably still laden with germs.

We think that just using soap and water is sufficient. But, it’s most certainly not! And unfortunately, majority of us tend to wash our hands for only about 5 or 10 seconds. Which means germs are still present on our skin when we leave the bathroom.

Therefore, to kills all the germs, you need to lather up for a minimum of 30 seconds using Dettol Hand Wash and water. To ensure that you are washing for the proper amount of time, sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.

Missing Bacteria Hide-outs

If you simply rub the soap between your palms, wash, and consider it clean, you are mistaken. Your hands are most likely still grimy. This is because your fingernails and the pockets between fingers need a thorough cleaning too, as germs are hidden in these areas.

Therefore, while washing the hands, use your time to rub both your palms, fingernails, gaps between your fingers and the back of the hands. This way you cover all sides of your hands.

Not Rinsing the Soap Before Each Use

Microscopic organisms live in the slime of the soap and not washing it before use can transfer these germs into your hands. Therefore, it is vital to rinse the soap in running water before using it. Additionally, it is essential to keep the soap in a dry place always. The best thing to do to keep germs completely away is using Dettol hand wash

Skipping Drying

Remember that handwashing is a five-step process – wetting your hands, lathering thoroughly, scrubbing all areas, rinsing properly, and lastly drying your hands. Thus, the final step is just as important as the first few steps.

Because when you fail to dry your hands completely, you are only doing half the job. Germs flourish in moisture, so regardless of whether you have utilized your soap, you expose yourself to contamination if you don’t dry your hands completely.

Touching Surfaces with Clean Hands

Nothing ruins your hard-earned hand washing more than touching other surfaces or things right after you clean your hands. Remember that bathroom door handles, faucets, and countertops are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.

Therefore, after washing your hands, use a clean towel to turn off the faucet and to open bathroom doors, especially in public washrooms. It’s a good idea to do this at home too.

How to Wash Your Hands Correctly?

Washing your hands is simple, and it’s a standout amongst the best practices to keep the spread of germs away. Clean hands can prevent germs from spreading, starting with one individual to another – from your home to workplace!

To wash your hands correctly, follow these five steps without fail:

1. Wet your hands with water (cold or warm), turn off the faucet, and apply Dettol Hand Wash
2. Thoroughly lather every surface of your hands, including the back of your hands, wrists, under your nails and between your fingers
3. Clean your hands for at least 30 seconds
4. Wash your hands well under running water
5. Finally, dry your hands using a clean towel

If you are picnicking outdoors and don’t have access to hand wash or clean water, use a Dettol Hand Sanitizer to clean your hands.

Concluding

Washing your hands correctly can shield you from falling sick and most importantly, it prevents the spread of germs. Therefore, don’t underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at your sink could spare you trips to your doctor’s office.