When and How to Wash Your Hand

Why is it so important that we wash our hands extensively and thoroughly? That, and how you do it right, you can find out here!

Our hands come into contact with unwanted germs often enough: Whether in the toilet, on public transport or shaking hands with a cold colleague. Pathogens have an easy job of it and can endanger not only ourselves, but also all fellow human beings whom we touch or with whom we use the same objects. Proper hand washing is therefore the A & O to stop germs and infectious diseases and to eliminate pathogens!

Why should you wash your hands?

The transmission for infectious diseases takes place mainly via the hands. Infectious diseases such as diarrhoea or influenza can be transmitted quickly from person to person in this way. When we eat or otherwise come into contact with the mucous membranes, the pathogens have a clear path. Therefore, thorough hand washing is obligatory – this reduces the pathogens considerably and they no longer have a chance of causing harm!

Wash your hands properly: That’s the way to do it!

Washing your hands properly sounds so simple – but many people do not take this process seriously enough, so many mistakes have crept in. In general, there are a few things to consider to get your hands really clean:

1. First, the hands are held under running water. Whether the water is warm or cold does not matter for washing!
2. Then the hands must be thoroughly soaped. Liquid soap is recommended for this purpose, as soap bars can be contaminated with germs! Make sure that the entire hands are rubbed with soap, i.e. palms and backs of the hands, each individual finger, spaces and fingernails. Important: This process should take about 20 to 30 seconds!
3. Then rinse hands thoroughly under running water.
4. Dry your hands conscientiously – do not forget the spaces in between! Friction removes germs that are still adhering. Attention: If the hands are still damp, the microorganisms multiply again.

What do you have to consider when washing your hands in public washrooms?

Especially public washrooms can be a romping place for pathogens, so you should consider the following:

• It is best to close the tap with your elbow or a paper towel after washing your hands.
• Use paper towels to dry off (if necessary, a hand dryer is sufficient) Shared towels are not recommended as they are a paradise for germs.

Washing your hands with or without soap?

Washing your hands without soap is still better than not washing them at all! Basically, however, you should always use soap, as it has the following advantages:

• By soaping, the germs are released from the fat film of the skin.
• Spreading the soap additionally reduces germs mechanically and makes the hands clean.
• Dirt and microorganisms are better removed.

Three tips: Washing soaps should be pH-neutral in order not to attack the acid mantle of the skin. Avoid high water temperatures, as these put additional strain on the hands. Apply a moisturising hand cream if necessary!

When should you wash your hands?

After:

• Toilet visit
• Diaper changing
• Contact of waste
• Coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose
• Contact with animals, animal waste or feed
• Arrive home

After & before:

• Wound treatment
• Nursing
• Food preparation, especially for raw meat

Before:

• Food
• Drug use
• Application of cosmetics