The most effective thing you can do against any virus or bacteria is to properly wash your hands. 

Handwashing is something we learn from a very young age and we practice it multiple times a day, so while I was training to work with hospice patients, I was a bit surprised to learn that I wasn’t washing properly. As it turns out, there is actually a right and a wrong way to wash your hands. As it turns out, most of us don’t do it right.

With everything that’s going on right now regarding the coronavirus, I thought it’d be good to provide a refresher.

How to Properly Wash Your Hands

Just like hand-sanitizer, soap needs time to work as designed and it takes time to address all the areas of your hands. A quick suds-up and rinse may be better than nothing, but to truly clean your hands, you need at least 20 seconds to cover every inch and to allow the soap to do its magic!

Handwashing is one of your best defenses against viruses, bacteria, and other infections, but only when done properly. Follow these steps to ensure your hands are clean.

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With the coronavirus still spreading and with no true vaccine yet available to the masses, it’s important to do what you can to minimize your risk of exposure and of contracting the virus if you are exposed.

Now that we’ve covered how to properly wash your hands, next up, we’ll take it a step further and discuss the importance of scrubbing under your nails regularly.

Remember to minimize the spread of viruses by taking a few extra seconds at the sink and properly washing your hands. Stay clean. Stay healthy.

For More Information on Proper Handwashing

• When and How to Wash Your Hands – CDC Website
• Life is Better With Clean Hands – CDC handwashing campaign. Help spread good hygiene! #KeepHandsClean
• Effect of Hand Cleansing with Antimicrobial Soap – An Oxford Academic Study that looked at the level of bacteria present under natural and artificial nails after washing