Best practices for effective hand washing and sanitising

Good hygiene is essential for maintaining health and preventing the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Whether at home, work, or in public places, following effective hand washing and sanitising practices plays a crucial role in protecting both yourself and others. According to health authorities, proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses, making it one of the most effective ways to stay healthy. In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices for hand washing and sanitising, particularly relevant to maintaining a safe and healthy environment in Australia.

Why Hand Hygiene is Important

Our hands touch a wide range of surfaces every day, making them a primary carrier for harmful germs. From shaking hands to touching doorknobs, smartphones, or even our faces, bacteria and viruses can spread quickly if we don’t follow proper hygiene. Effective hand washing removes dirt, grease, and germs, helping to prevent the spread of common illnesses like the flu, gastro, and colds.

Best Practices for Hand Washing

Hand washing with soap and water is the most effective way to clean your hands and remove germs. Follow these steps to ensure your hand washing routine is thorough and effective:

1. Use Clean, Running Water

Always use clean, running water to wash your hands. Wet your hands under warm or cold water, making sure the water is flowing to avoid contamination from standing water.

2. Apply Soap Generously

Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Soap is essential in breaking down the oils and dirt on your skin that can harbour germs.

3. Scrub for at Least 20 Seconds

The recommended time for hand washing is at least 20 seconds. Scrubbing for this amount of time ensures you’re effectively removing any germs from your skin. To time yourself, try singing "Happy Birthday" twice or counting slowly.

4. Cover All Parts of Your Hands

Pay close attention to all parts of your hands during washing, including:

• The backs of your hands
• Between your fingers
• Fingertips and under your nails
• Your thumbs (often missed)

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water to ensure all soap and dirt are removed.

6. Dry Your Hands Properly

Drying your hands is just as important as washing them. Use a clean towel or an air dryer to dry your hands completely, as wet hands can transfer germs more easily.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Knowing when to wash your hands is essential to maintaining good hand hygiene. You should always wash your hands:

• Before preparing or eating food
• After using the toilet
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After handling rubbish
• After touching animals or pets
• After coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces like door handles, shopping trolleys, or public transport

Best Practices for Hand Sanitising

While hand washing is the gold standard, hand sanitiser can be a convenient alternative when soap and water aren’t available. Here are the best practices for effective hand sanitising:

1. Choose the Right Sanitiser

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. This type of sanitiser is most effective at killing germs. Non-alcohol-based sanitisers may not provide the same level of protection against certain viruses and bacteria.

2. Use Enough Sanitiser

Apply enough sanitiser to cover your hands completely, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure the sanitiser dries completely before touching any surfaces.

3. Don’t Use Sanitiser on Dirty Hands

Hand sanitiser is most effective on clean hands. If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, it’s important to wash them with soap and water instead of relying on sanitiser.

When Should You Use Hand Sanitiser?

Hand sanitiser is a good option when you’re on the go and can’t access soap and water. It’s especially useful in situations like:

• After touching surfaces in public places (e.g., ATMs, shopping trolleys, lifts)
• Before eating when hand washing facilities aren’t available
• After handling money or documents
• When entering or exiting public transport

Additional Tips for Maintaining Hand Hygiene

1. Moisturise Regularly
   Frequent hand washing and sanitising can lead to dry skin, so make sure to moisturise regularly to prevent irritation. Dry, cracked skin can create entry points for germs, so keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain your protective barrier.

2. Use Non-Antibacterial Soap
   For general hand washing, regular soap is sufficient. You don’t need to use antibacterial soap for everyday hygiene, as it doesn’t provide extra protection against most germs and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

3. Encourage Good Hygiene Practices in Public Spaces
   Make sure public spaces, including workplaces, schools, and community centres, are equipped with hand washing stations and hand sanitiser dispensers to promote good hygiene for everyone.

Effective hand washing and sanitising are simple but essential practices to protect yourself and others from illness. By following these best practices, you can reduce the spread of germs and help maintain a healthier environment for everyone in your community. Whether you’re at home, work, or out and about, remember that clean hands are key to staying healthy.

By prioritising hand hygiene and making it a habit, you can take an active role in preventing the spread of infections and illnesses, contributing to a safer and healthier Australia.

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Initial Hygiene is leading the way air, hand and surface hygiene innovation to meet the demand of any environment. Get in touch today on 1300 73 1234 or contact us here for free, no obligation assessment of your current hygiene services.