What is the correct order of steps for washing?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper handwashing can reduce respiratory illnesses in the general population by 16-21%. This simple, yet crucial, habit is essential for preventing the spread of germs, so understanding what is the correct order of steps for washing your hands is a vital skill for personal health and safety.

Quick Summary

The CDC recommends a five-step sequence for effective handwashing that removes germs and prevents illness. The process involves wetting, lathering with soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing thoroughly, and drying completely with a clean towel.

Key Points

• Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry: Follow the five core steps of proper handwashing as recommended by the CDC for optimal germ removal.

• Scrub for 20 Seconds: The scrubbing time is crucial for creating friction to dislodge germs; humming "Happy Birthday" twice can help you time it correctly.

• Handwashing is Superior: Use soap and water whenever possible, especially if your hands are visibly dirty, as it is the most effective method for removing all types of germs and chemicals.

• Sanitizer as a Backup: Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol only when soap and water are not readily available, as it kills but does not remove germs.

• Dry Hands Completely: Always dry your hands thoroughly after washing, as germs can spread more easily from wet skin.

• Wash Frequently: Practice frequent handwashing, especially after using the toilet, before preparing food, and after coughing or sneezing.

The Five Steps of Proper Handwashing

Following a simple, consistent method for handwashing is the most effective way to remove germs and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines a clear, five-step process that should be followed every time you wash your hands.

Step 1: Wet Your Hands

Begin by wetting your hands with clean, running water. The water temperature does not need to be warm; cold water is equally effective at removing germs. Turn off the tap after wetting to conserve water while you lather.

Step 2: Lather with Soap

Apply a sufficient amount of soap to your wet hands. The soap's surfactants lift soil and microbes from your skin. Rub your hands together to create a lather, making sure to distribute it over all surfaces. While antibacterial soaps were once popular, the FDA found no added health benefit for consumers using them over plain soap and water, and has since banned many active ingredients in over-the-counter products.

Step 3: Scrub Thoroughly

Once your hands are lathered, you must scrub them vigorously for at least 20 seconds. This friction is key to dislodging dirt and germs. To ensure you cover all areas, scrub the following:

• The backs of your hands
• Between your fingers
• Under your fingernails
• Your wrists
• Your thumbs

Need a timer? Singing the 'Happy Birthday' song from beginning to end twice is a fun and effective way to ensure you've scrubbed for the recommended amount of time.

Step 4: Rinse Well

Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water to wash away the soap, dirt, and germs you have loosened during the scrubbing phase. Ensure all soap residue is gone, as minimizing skin irritation is an added benefit of a complete rinse. Keep your fingers pointed down so the dirty water flows into the sink.

Step 5: Dry Completely

Germs can spread more easily from wet hands, so drying them completely is an important final step. Use a clean towel or an air dryer. In public restrooms, consider using a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door to avoid re-contaminating your clean hands. At home, ensure reusable towels are changed regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

When to Wash Your Hands

Knowing when to wash your hands is just as important as knowing how. The CDC recommends washing your hands frequently, especially during these key moments:

• Before, during, and after preparing food.
• Before and after eating food.
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick.
• Before and after treating a cut or wound.
• After using the toilet or changing a diaper.
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste.
• After handling garbage.
• After touching common surfaces in public spaces, like doorknobs and elevator buttons.

Handwashing vs. Hand Sanitizer: A Comparison

Handwashing with soap and water is the gold standard for removing germs and visible dirt. Hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative when soap and water are not available, but it has limitations. Here is a comparison of the two methods based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Feature	Handwashing with Soap and Water	Hand Sanitizer
Mechanism	Physically removes germs, dirt, and chemicals from the skin.	Kills germs on contact, but does not remove them.
Visibly Dirty Hands	Effective. The friction and soap can lift and wash away visible grime.	Ineffective. Dirt and grease can block the sanitizer from reaching and killing germs.
Types of Germs	Effective against a wide variety of germs, including norovirus.	Less effective against some germs, like norovirus and certain parasites.
Harmful Chemicals	Removes chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals, from hands.	Not effective at removing harmful chemicals.
Key Ingredient	Plain soap.	Alcohol (at least 60% concentration).
Proper Use	Wet, lather for 20 seconds, scrub all surfaces, rinse, and dry.	Apply enough gel to cover all surfaces and rub hands together until dry (around 20 seconds).

Conclusion: The Simple Habit with a Big Impact

Mastering the simple process of handwashing is one of the most effective and affordable public health interventions available. By consistently following the correct order of steps, you can drastically reduce your risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases. While hand sanitizer serves as a useful backup, especially when soap and water are unavailable, it is no substitute for a proper, 20-second hand scrub. Make this routine a priority for yourself and your family to stay healthy and safe. Just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown, a small investment of time at the sink can lead to significant health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct way to scrub my hands during washing?

The correct scrubbing technique involves rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and underneath your fingernails.

Is warm water better than cold water for washing hands?

No, the temperature of the water does not affect the number of germs removed. Warm and cold water are equally effective as long as you use soap and follow the proper technique.

Do I need to use antibacterial soap?

For general household use, plain soap and water is just as effective as antibacterial soap at preventing illness. In 2016, the FDA banned many ingredients in over-the-counter antibacterial soaps because they showed no added benefit and raised safety concerns.

How can I remember to scrub my hands for 20 seconds?

A simple trick is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice while you scrub your hands.

When should I use hand sanitizer instead of washing my hands?

Use hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in these situations.

Why is drying my hands so important after washing?

Drying your hands thoroughly is important because germs can spread more easily from wet hands than from dry ones. Using a clean towel or air drying helps prevent the re-contamination of your hands.

Can I reuse the same towel to dry my hands at home?

Yes, but reusable towels should be changed when they become visibly dirty or damp. Clean, disposable towels are a great option in public or shared spaces to avoid transferring germs.