Know Seven Steps of Handwashing in this Global Handwashing Day!

Every year, ‘Global Handwashing Day' is observed to promote and raise awareness about the significance of hand hygiene. Every year on the 15th of October, this day is commemorated to remind people of the significance of hand cleanliness and to emphasize that it is not a laughing matter.
Viruses, germs, and bacteria may all be transmitted through the hands. The majority of dangerous viruses and disease-carrying bacteria are passed from person to person via the hands. As a result, it's critical to keep them clean and germ-free by following basic hygiene procedures. In light of the pandemic, the steps involving handwashing have been listed into numerical pointers as follows. The time recommended by NHS for washing hands is 20 seconds so that all the steps are completed with no haste:

1. Dampen Hands
Wet your hands with plain water and pour liquid hand wash. Rub your hands together to form a good lather.

2. Rub palms in a circular motion
Rub your palm both in circular clockwise and anticlockwise and see the lather foaming even more.

3. Get the back of your hands
Rub the back of each hand by taking help from the opposite. In this way, the back of the hands will be squeaky clean and germ-ridden.

4. Interlink your fingers
Clasp your hands. In this way, your fingers will be interlinked with each other, along with your palms. Any residual germs, dirt and grime in between will now be effectively removed by this.

5. Cup your fingers
Try to cup your fingers together, with the right hand over the left hand and with the interlocked fingers, use this to rub the back of the fingers. Repeat the process with the other hand by swapping the position of the hands.

6. Thumbs Cleaning
Enclose or clasp your right hand over your left thumb and rotate it both clockwise and anti-clockwise. This process can be repeated with the opposite hand by swapping.

7. Palm rub with fingers
Rub your four fingers on your palm using the left hand for right palm and right hand for the left palm.

Hands should be cleansed with lukewarm water and cleaned with disposable paper towels after completing these processes in at least 20 seconds. Wiping damp hands with paper towels is the most sanitary approach to avoid spreading germs. It's also a plus if an automated hand dryer is offered. Reusable cotton towels, on the other hand, are not recommended since they may carry germs and transfer them to the back of the hands.

Following the basic stages of handwashing is a quick, easy, and effective approach to maintain hygiene and keep your hands clean.