Keeping your hands clean is one of the important control methods for reducing the spread of infections but it is most effective if you follow the steps below.

To wash your hands:

• Use clean, hot, running water and soap – preferably antibacterial liquid soap from a dispenser – as soap bars can harbour germs.
• Wet your hands thoroughly.
• Rub the soap into your palms to form a lather.
• Clean your hands for 20 to 30 seconds. Go between your right and left hand for each of these areas – the backs, between your fingers, your thumbs and your wrists. Remember to check and clean your fingernails too.
• Then rinse the soap off with clean, hot, running water.
• Turn the tap off with a disposable hand towel to avoid re-contaminating your hands.
• Dry your hands thoroughly using a second disposable hand towel or a hand dryer. Make sure you dry your hands properly – it’s easier for harmful bacteria to spread if your hands are wet or damp.