The 5 Steps of Handwashing
Handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs! Here are the 5 steps:
1. WET: Turn on the water and wet your hands. Warm or cool water both work fine.
2. SOAP: Apply soap to your hands. Regular soap works just as well as antibacterial soap!
3. SCRUB: Rub your hands together to make a lather. Scrub everywhere:
- Palms together
- Back of each hand
- Between your fingers (interlace them!)
- Under your nails (scratch your palms to clean under nails)
- Your thumbs (people forget thumbs!)
- Your wrists
4. TIME: Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. That is about as long as singing 'Happy Birthday' twice! Or sing the ABC song once.
5. RINSE AND DRY: Rinse all the soap off under running water. Dry with a clean towel or air dry. Use the towel to turn off the faucet so you do not pick up germs again!