34. Handwashing with soap
34. Handwashing with soap
Last update: 2022-09-14
Overview
- Washing your hands is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of many epidemics, especially diarrhoeal diseases.
- Handwashing is easy and everyone (including children) can do it.
- To be able to wash their hands, people need running water, liquid soap or ash, and paper towels.
When to wash hands
Wash your hands BEFORE: | Wash your hands AFTER: |
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How to wash hands
- Wet your hands and rub them with soap or ash.
- Rub all parts of your hands together for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Use lots of force (push your hands together hard) and remember to wash all surfaces, including the backs of the hands and between the fingers.
- Rinse hands well so they are free of soap or ash.
- Dry hands with a paper towel. If there is no towel, wave them in the air until they are dry.