Proper hand washing technique is crucial to remove microorganisms from your hands and prevent you from getting sick. Having clean hands also helps others stay safe because it reduces the transmission of diseases onto surfaces. The proper hand washing technique is as follows:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
        - Running water is important because if the water is allowed to sit still, microorganisms can   
          begin to accumulate. Water temperature is not important when washing your hands, but 
          warmer water can irritate the skin and is less environmentally friendly. Soap is important
          because it separates microorganisms from the skin and encourages the user to scrub their
          hands for a longer duration.
  
• Lather soap on your hands, but don’t forget the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
        - Scrubbing increases friction which is important for removing germs.
  
• Scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds. 
        - This time frame largely relies on how much dirt is on your hands. If your hands are still visibly
          dirty, more than twenty seconds may be required. A helpful hint is to hum Happy Birthday
          twice while washing your hands. If you are sick of Happy Birthday, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
          can be substituted. 
  
• Rinse hands well under running water.
        - Soap and friction help lift the microorganisms off of your hands, but the water is what removes
          these from your hands. 
  
• Dry hands with a clean towel, paper towel, or air dry them.
        - According to the National Institute of Health, germs can be transferred more easily from a wet
          surface to a wet surface. Drying your hands reduces the ease at which germs can make their
          way back onto them.
  

When to use an alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer