Understanding how proper hand hygiene protects your health.
Frequent and effective handwashing is your first line of defense against illness. While it's impossible to remove *all* germs, proper technique can eliminate over 99% of harmful microbes, significantly reducing your risk of infection and preventing their spread.
Discover the science of germ removal.
Handwashing with soap and water is incredibly effective because of a simple scientific principle. Soap molecules have a unique structure: one end is attracted to water (hydrophilic), and the other is attracted to fats and oils (hydrophobic).
When you lather, the hydrophobic ends of the soap molecules attach to the fats and oils that make up the outer layers of viruses and bacteria, as well as the greasy film that traps dirt and germs on your skin. This action effectively breaks down and lifts these harmful particles.
Simultaneously, the friction created by rubbing your hands together physically dislodges the germs. The lather creates tiny pockets called micelles that trap these dislodged germs and chemicals. When you rinse your hands under clean, running water, these micelles, along with the trapped germs, are washed away down the drain.
This combined action of chemical breakdown and physical removal ensures that while you can't sterilize your hands completely, you can remove at least 99% of disease-causing germs, making handwashing one of the most powerful tools for public health.
Follow these steps for optimal cleanliness.
Step 1: Wet hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
The numbers don't lie: handwashing saves lives.
Scientific studies consistently demonstrate the profound impact of proper hand hygiene on public health:
- Handwashing reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40%.
- It reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%.
- Handwashing reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%.
- For children under 5, handwashing with soap could protect about 1 out of every 3 who get sick with diarrhea, and almost 1 out of 5 with respiratory infections like pneumonia.
- Globally, about 1.8 million children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, the top two killers of young children. Handwashing is a simple, cost-effective intervention.
By preventing sickness, handwashing also plays a crucial role in battling antibiotic resistance by reducing the need for antibiotics.
See the difference proper handwashing makes.
Observe the dramatic reduction in germ presence before and after a thorough handwash.
Before Washing
Hands covered in visible germs.
After Washing
Hands significantly cleaner with minimal germs.
Beyond the basics: advanced hygiene tips.
- Wash for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice. This duration is crucial for effective germ removal.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available. However, always prioritize soap and water, especially if hands are visibly dirty or after using the toilet, as sanitizers don't kill all types of germs (e.g., Norovirus, C. diff) or remove harmful chemicals.
- Use plain soap and water. Studies show no added health benefit from using antibacterial soaps for general use, and some ingredients may not be safe for long-term daily use.
- Ensure you dry your hands completely after washing, as germs spread more easily on wet hands. Use a clean towel or air dryer.
- Be mindful of key times to wash your hands: before and after preparing food, before eating, after using the toilet, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and after touching animals or garbage.
- To prevent dry, cracked skin from frequent washing, use a moisturizer. Healthy skin is a better barrier against germs.