Turning doorknobs, drafting emails, shaking hands − all seemingly harmless activities of our everyday life. But whenever you touch another object or a person, you are collecting their germs on your hands.
Thus, unknowingly throughout the day, all of us are picking up bacteria and germs that can make us really sick. The worst part is we use the same hands (germ-laden) without noticing, to wipe our mouth or rub our eyes and then bam − the germs have their chance to sneak in our system and make us ill.
Fortunately, you can beat these germs at their game with proper handwashing. Yes, handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself from getting sick and stopping the spread of disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
All it takes is Dettol Hand Wash, water, and 30 seconds of scrubbing!
Why Washing Your Hands Is Important?
Germs are present everywhere, which makes it practically impossible to keep everything around us shiny and clean at all times. Furthermore, when we touch a spot that has been contaminated by germs − in our house, workplace or just about anywhere else, it puts us at the risk of infection if we later touch our nose, mouth or eyes. Washing our hands at the right time and the right way can eliminate germs, even before they enter our body and make us sick.
When to Wash Your Hands?
Washing your hands before or after certain activities can help prevent the spread of germs more effectively. Handwashing should be part of your daily routine especially:
- Before and after food preparation
- Before eating food
- Before and after treating a wound
- Before wearing and removing your contact lenses
- After using the washroom
- After touching garbage
- After coughing or sneezing
- After touching an animal or animal feed
You should also consider cleaning your hands after you have been on public transportation. In case you have a respiratory infection (common cold or flu), it’s recommended to wash your hands more often than usual. If you have kids, ensure that they wash their hands when they come home after playing outside.
The Right Way to Wash Your Hands
The ideal way to wash your hands is to use Dettol Hand Wash and water for as long as you can. However, aim for at least 20 to 30 seconds. If you sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice, consider that you have washed your hands sufficiently long.
To ensure that you are appropriately cleaning your hands, adhere to these five hand washing steps:
- Wet your hands with water, either warm or cold and apply Dettol Hand Wash or soap
- Rub it on your hands thoroughly; ensure to cover all surfaces including the back of your hands, gaps between your fingers, and fingernails as well
- Continue rubbing your hands together for 20 to 30 seconds
- Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean water to ensure removal of residual germs
- Dry both hands with a clean towel
After washing your hands, turn off the faucet with a towel to avoid adding germs right back to your hands. While in public or office washrooms, always use disposable towels.
If you have no access to water and soap, using Dettol Hand Sanitizer is the next best option. When used properly, it can eliminate 99.9 percent of the germs from your hands. All you need to do is squeeze a thumbnail sized amount of sanitizer on your palm and rub both hands together until dry.
By following the above hand washing steps, you can help yourself, and others stay healthy, especially during seasons when you are likely to get and spread germs.
Final Words
Handwashing, before and after certain activities, is the ideal way to remove germs and prevent their spread. It’s simple, quick, and can prevent you from getting sick. In simple words, it’s a win for everyone, except the germs!