Handwashing seems like a relevant topic…well always. We do it daily, multiple times a day. It helps us maintain hand hygiene. It helps us prevent our germs from transferring to other hands, doorknobs, shared objects, etc.
Well in honor of Global Handwashing Day—which is Oct. 15 (put it in your mobile calendar)—we’re going through the tips you may miss every time you lather your mitts.
Now, you’re probably thinking: Okay, I’m an adult; I know how to wash my hands. Well, would you believe us if we told you only five percent of adults wash their hands properly after using the restroom, according to a Michigan State University study? It’s true. Let us explain.
Most of us know the magic number, recommended by the CDC, is at least 20 seconds to wash your hands. But did you know not drying your hands completely can spread germs? Yeah, like 1000X more germs. Woof. Did you also know you should wet your hands before you use soap and start to wash?
If you’re among the 95 percent of people who aren’t washing their hands properly—it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 below. We can all have a hand in protecting our health and each other’s.
- Wet your hands with water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Don’t forget your thumbs!
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Here are 20 songs for 20 seconds, because the birthday song can get old (get the joke?).
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry completely your hands using a clean towel, paper towel or hand dryer.
Finally, make a point to wash your hands every time you sit down to eat, grab a snack or use the restroom. It’s an easy habit to form and a way to do your part.
Support This Way
If you want to do more than properly wash your hands, you can spread awareness (instead of germs), get involved in causes, like Global Handwashing Partnership, or upgrade to a touchless restroom.
Visit GlobalHandwashing.org
On their website, you can find ways to promote hand hygiene or give to the cause through virtual events. You can also share their material or follow us on LinkedIn to repost their message while saving a step or two.
Install touchless solutions within your facility’s restrooms
From flush to wash to dry, make the entire experience hands-free and worry-free for your staff and guests. Our fixtures and hand dryers that activate using sensor technology detect the user without delay or wasting water.
Tell healthcare facilities about our touchless product donations
Finally, if you know of a healthcare facility in need of touchless sensor flush valves or faucets, you can direct them to our donation page to see if they qualify.
