Handwashing - Why it's important

Many infectious diseases spread from one person to another by way of contaminated hands. Washing your hands properly with soap and water helps stop the spread of the germs, such as bacteria and viruses, that cause these illnesses. Some gastrointestinal and respiratory infections can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, older people and those with a weakened immune system.

When to wash your hands#

Wash your hands thoroughly at key moments, including:

• when you get home, and when you arrive at other people’s homes, at venues or at work
• after using the toilet and after changing nappies
• before, during and after preparing food, and between handling raw and cooked or ready-to-eat food
• before eating
• after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or using a tissue or handkerchief
• before and after caring for someone who is sick
• after handling rubbish or working in the garden
• after handling animals

Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, cover it with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, which is less likely to touch other surfaces and helps stop germs from spreading.

How to wash your hands properly#

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water.
2. Apply soap and lather well.
3. Rub your hands together, taking care to clean the backs of your hands, your wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
4. Rinse well under running water until all traces of soap are gone.
5. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dry them.

Use running water rather than a basin of standing water, which can become contaminated through use. If possible, remove rings and watches first, or move rings to wash and dry underneath them, as germs and moisture can collect there.

Warm water may be slightly better than cold because soap lathers more easily, but cold water and soap still work well. Very hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils and, over time, contribute to dermatitis.

Drying your hands#

Drying is an important part of hand hygiene. Paper towels or single-use cloth towels are best. Hot air dryers can also be used. Dry under any rings, as they can be a source of contamination if they stay moist.

At home, give each family member their own towel and wash the towels often.

Choosing a soap#

Washing with soap and water removes far more disease-causing organisms than washing with water alone. When you follow the steps above, all soaps are equally effective at removing germs.

A few points worth knowing:

• Liquid soap is generally better than bar soap, particularly at work, but bar soap is far better than no soap.
• Antibacterial soap is unnecessary and offers no advantage over regular soap.
• If soap irritates your skin, changing soap may help. Soaps differ in pH, being neutral, slightly alkaline or slightly acidic, and added perfumes can also cause irritation.

Soap and water versus hand sanitiser#

Washing with soap and water is the best way to prevent gastroenteritis. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are effective against some viruses, such as coronavirus, but they are not effective against the germs that cause gastroenteritis.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.

Looking after your hands#

Handwashing is only one part of hand hygiene, and healthy skin is your most effective barrier against infection. To care for your hands:

• Apply a water-based absorbent hand cream 3 to 4 times a day, or more often if your hands are frequently in water.
• Wear gloves when washing dishes to protect your hands.
• Wear gloves when gardening to prevent ingrained soil and scratches.
• See a doctor if a skin irritation develops or continues.

Teaching children#

Building healthy habits in childhood helps support good choices for life. Teaching children to wash their hands properly helps protect their classmates, family and friends and stops the spread of infectious diseases.

Key points#

• Dry under any rings, as they can be a source of contamination if they stay moist.
• Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent gastroenteritis.
• Caring for your skin matters, because it is your most effective barrier against infection.
• Wear gloves when gardening to prevent ingrained soil and scratches.
• Healthy habits built in childhood support lifelong healthy choices.

Where to get help and trusted information#

For evidence-based global health guidance, see Source: World Health Organization (WHO).