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Handwashing
The single most effective way to stop the spread of germs.
Watch
How to Wash Your Hands Properly.
Video created by EmpowerHygiene Volunteer, Joanna Chen 🧡
Why this matters
Clean hands prevent illnesses like the flu, colds, and food-borne infections. It only takes 20 seconds.
Step-by-step guide
- 1
Wet your hands with clean running water.
- 2
Apply enough soap to cover your hands.
- 3
Rub your palms together to make a lather.
- 4
Clean between your fingers.
- 5
Clean the backs of your hands.
- 6
Scrub under your nails.
- 7
Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- 8
Dry your hands with a clean towel or air-dry.
💡 Practical & quick tips
- ✓Wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
- ✓Wash your hands after using the washroom.
- ✓Clean all areas of your hands, not just your palms.
- ✓Sing 'Happy Birthday' twice, which is about 20 seconds.
- ✓Use hand sanitizer only when soap and water aren't available.
Watch more
How to scrub soap thoroughly.
Video created by EmpowerHygiene Volunteer, Anaya Bokhari 🧡
⚠️ Common mistakes
- •Rushing: you need at least 20 seconds of scrubbing.
- •Skipping the backs of your hands and thumbs.
- •Drying with a dirty towel and undoing your work.
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