The provided reference does not accurately describe the five golden rules of hand washing. Instead, it lists general hygiene tips. Therefore, I will provide the generally accepted five golden rules of hand washing based on established hygiene practices and guidelines.
While there isn't a single universally agreed-upon list called the "five golden rules", effective hand washing, based on recommendations from organizations like the CDC and WHO, involves these key steps, which can be considered "golden rules":
- Wet your hands with clean, running water: Use water that is preferably warm, but cold water is also effective if clean.
- Apply soap: Use enough soap to cover all hand surfaces. Liquid, bar, or powder soap are all acceptable.
- Lather your hands thoroughly: Lather all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds: Vigorously scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. A helpful tip is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. This ensures sufficient contact time for the soap to dislodge germs.
- Rinse well under clean, running water: Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry: Use a clean towel or air dry your hands. If using a public restroom, paper towels are preferable.
These steps, when followed consistently, significantly reduce the spread of germs and contribute to better health.
