handwashing 101

Did you know there is a “proper” science-backed way to wash your hands?
This might seem obvious, but in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s worth a refresher in proper technique. :)

Here’s the how-to from the Centers for Disease Control:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap (to save water!), and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Also be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Lathering well creates friction to help dislodge any stubborn microbes on your skin. Germs and microbes are found on all parts of your hand, especially under your hands.

BONUS POINTS for washing up to your elbows!

Scrub your hands for at LEAST 20 seconds. According to the CDC, washing hands for 15-30 seconds removes more germs than washing for a shorter period of time.

(Fun fact: This is the same amount of time it takes to hum the Karma Chameleon chorus. “Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon / You come and go, you come and go / Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dreams / Red, gold and green, red, gold and green.”)

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean, dry towel or air dry them. Avoid air blowers because they can spread more germs not only onto your clean hands, but into the air.