Hand Washing

Click here for a PDF “print-friendly” version of this fact sheet

Proper hand hygiene is very important to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Hands can be either washed with soap and water or sanitized using an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). Hand washing can remove dirt and germs (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses). Using an ABHR can kill most germs.

When your hands are visibly dirty you must wash them with soap and water.  It is better to use liquid soap than to use bar soap. It is not necessary to use an antibacterial soap. To properly remove germs, you must rub your hands for at least 15 seconds. You should always dry your hands on a clean towel. When you are sick, you should use your own hand towel or switch to paper towels. If your hands are not properly washed, germs can be transferred to a towel then transferred to the next person using it.

When hands are visibly clean (not dirty), they can be washed with an ABHR.  Ensure the ABHR contains 60-90% alcohol and it is not expired. Apply enough ABHR to wet both hands. Rub your hands for at least 15 seconds. Do not use towels or paper towels to dry hands.  Allow them to air dry.

It is very important to remember every part of your hands when hand washing. When washing your hands, remember to rub:

• your hands together, palm to palm
• in between and around fingers
• the back of each hand with palm of other hand
• fingertips of each hand in the opposite palm
• each thumb clasped in the opposite hand

Wash your hands:

For more information on hand hygiene, please visit www.health.gov.on.ca.

References:  Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee. (2010). Best Practices for Hand Hygiene in All Health Care Settings.