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How To Hand Washing the Proper Way

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: September 3, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

While hand washing sounds simple, it must be done correctly to be an effective hygiene tool. Hand washing the proper way can stop the spread of infections such as colds and the flu. Here is the step-by-step guide to proper hand washing.

10 Tips To Avoid Colds and the Flu

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1 minute

Here's How:

  1. Use large amounts of warm, running water and liquid soap to lather hands and wrists. Scrub all surfaces of your hands and fingers for at least 15 to 20 seconds.

    Important Information!
    Bar soaps can harbor germs which cause infection. Therefore, use liquid soap if available.

  2. Rinse hands well clean, running water.

    Important Information!
    Rinse with hands pointing down to prevent rinse water from running up your arms.

  3. Dry with a disposable paper towel.

  4. Shut off the faucet using the paper towel as a barrier between your clean hands and the faucet handle.

  5. Use a skin moisturizing cream regularly to prevent cracks in the skin which can be an entry point for germs that cause infection.

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