You Might Be Washing Your Hands Wrong. Here Are The Dos & Don’ts of Hand-Washing

Sanchita Pathak

As COVID-19 is gradually spreading its tentacles in and around the planet, maintaining hygiene and thoroughly washing hands is what WHO and every health professional is asking us to do. And yes, there is a right way to do it.


Follow these dos and don’ts while washing hands and you’re good:  

Dos 

Take out your wrist watch, some suggest pushing it to the forearm but it’s risky. 

How To Clean Things

Avoid any rings other than plain bands. Removing all jewelry is recommended. 

La Quinta Medspa

Turn on water and adjust the temperature to warm. 

Modern Pi

Keep your hands and sleeves away from the sink surface. 

CFM Service Corp

Don’t forget to thoroughly wash your wrists and thumbs as well. 

Florida Courier

To prevent water from flowing from most to least contaminated areas, hands and forearms should be lower than elbows. 

The Healthy

Take 3-5 ml of liquid soap and lather. If you are using Bar Soap wash it thoroughly before and after use. 

Today I Found Out

Wash your palms, each finger, an area in between the fingers, wrists, knuckle, back of your hands and forearms, for 20 seconds at least.

That’s the happy birthday song sung twice.  

The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal

If you think your hands might be contaminated, wash at least 2.5 cm above the area of contamination, otherwise wash 1 inch above the wrists. 

Coach Nine

For cleaning fingernails a nail-brush or an Orangewood Stick should be used. 

E Bay

Rinse your hands thoroughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel. 

Forbes
Creations

Turn off the tap with a paper towel to avoid contamination. 

52 States In 8 Months

Dispose the paper towel properly. 

Ali Express

Apply hand cream or lotion to prevent the skin from drying because bacteria settles easily on dry skin. 

Cheat Sheet

Don’ts 

Avoid touching the sink surface. If you accidentally do, wash your hands all over again. 

Hell Orf

Avoid splashing water on your clothes. 

Splash Paddy

Warm water is best, avoid hot water.  

Paras Hospital

As a wise kid once said, Dhote Jao Dhote Jao 

Source- Arrow ScientificThe Wall Street Journal

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