To use hand bar soap effectively, you follow a few simple steps to clean your hands thoroughly.
Using bar soap for handwashing is a straightforward and effective way to clean your hands. The process involves wetting the soap, creating a lather, washing your hands thoroughly, and storing the soap properly.
Here are the key steps:
- Prepare the Soap and Your Hands: Start by wetting your hands under running water. Then, rinse off your bar under running water to prepare it for use and remove any surface debris.
- Lather Up: Take the wet bar soap and rub the bar in your hands to create a rich lather. Work the soap between your palms and fingers until a good amount of foam is generated.
- Wash Thoroughly: Once you have enough lather, set the soap down. Rub your hands together, making sure to get the backs of your hands, in between the fingers and under the fingernails. This is crucial for removing germs and dirt from all surfaces of your hands. It's recommended to scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Soap Storage: After creating the lather, put the bar back in its soap dish. Ideally, the soap dish should have drainage to allow the bar to dry between uses, which helps it last longer.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water until all soap residue is gone. Finally, dry your hands completely using a clean towel or air dryer.
Practical Tips for Effective Handwashing
- Duration: Aim to scrub your hands with lather for at least 20 seconds – about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
- Coverage: Pay close attention to often-missed areas like between fingers, the backs of your hands, and under your fingernails.
- Rinsing: Ensure all soap is rinsed off to prevent skin irritation.
- Drying: Drying your hands properly helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps skin healthy.
- Soap Dish: Using a soap dish that allows water to drain away helps keep the bar firm and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Following these steps ensures you effectively use bar soap for clean, healthy hands.
