To scrub your hands effectively, follow these steps ensuring all surfaces are cleaned.
Here's a detailed guide based on WHO's handwashing recommendations:
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Wet your hands with clean, running water.
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Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
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Rub hands palm to palm.
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Rub right palm over left dorsum (back of the hand) with interlaced fingers and vice versa.
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Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced.
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Rub the backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked.
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Rub rotationally thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa.
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Rub rotationally, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa to clean the fingertips.
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Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
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Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Key Points:
- Ensure all surfaces of the hands are cleaned, including palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
- The entire process should take at least 20-30 seconds.
- Use soap and water whenever possible. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
