Soap water is used primarily for cleaning and sanitizing. Here's how to effectively use soap water:
Steps for Using Soap Water for Handwashing:
- Wet your hands: Start by wetting your hands thoroughly with clean running water.
- Apply soap: Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces. It's generally recommended to use liquid soap for handwashing.
- Lather and scrub: Rub your hands together palm to palm, between your fingers, under your nails, and the backs of your hands to create a lather. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. A good way to time this is by humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice from beginning to end.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands: Dry your hands using a clean towel, preferably a single-use paper towel. Alternatively, you can air dry your hands.
- Turn off the faucet: Use the towel to turn off the faucet to avoid re-contaminating your hands.
Important Considerations:
- Soap Concentration: The effectiveness of soap water depends on the concentration of soap. Follow the product instructions if you're making your own soap solution. If using commercially available soap, applying it directly to wet hands is usually more effective than diluting it first.
- Lather is Key: The lathering action is important for lifting dirt and germs.
- Water Temperature: While warm water can help create a better lather, the temperature isn't as important as the length of time you spend washing your hands.
- Types of Soap: Generally, any type of soap is effective for removing germs. Antibacterial soaps are not necessarily more effective than regular soap for handwashing.
Other Uses of Soap Water:
Besides handwashing, soap water can be used for various cleaning tasks around the house:
- Cleaning surfaces: Use soap water to wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces. Ensure you rinse the surfaces with clean water afterward.
- Washing dishes: Soap water is a common cleaning agent for washing dishes, although it needs to be used with hot water to make it effective.
- Laundry: Some detergents are available as liquid soaps, which can be used for washing clothes.
When to Use Soap Water:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- After using the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching garbage
- After touching animals or animal waste
- After being in a public place and touching frequently touched surfaces
Note: Soap water is not a disinfectant. While it can remove dirt and germs, it doesn't kill them. For disinfection, use appropriate disinfectants.
