What is the correct method to wash hands effectively?

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recognized as the most effective method for removing germs and preventing the spread of infection. This practice is essential because the friction created by rubbing your hands together, in combination with the cleansing properties of soap, helps to dislodge dirt, grease, and pathogens. The duration of 20 seconds is important to ensure that all areas of the hands are thoroughly cleaned, including between the fingers, under the nails, and up to the wrists.

Handwashing is particularly critical before eating, after using the restroom, and after contact with surfaces that may harbor germs. While hand sanitizers can be effective in certain situations, they do not eliminate all types of germs and are not a suitable substitute for handwashing when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Additionally, wiping hands with a sterile cloth may not adequately remove pathogens and could leave germs on the hands rather than effectively cleaning them. Thus, thorough handwashing is the recommended standard for maintaining hand hygiene.