“Knowing how to wash your hands properly is important because it contributes to stopping the spread of germs, which cause certain diseases and illnesses,” explained Neha Vyas, MD, a family medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic.Dr. Vyas said you first want to wet your hands with clean, running water and then lather up with a good amount of soap.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, and don’t forget about your wrists, the back of your hands, between the fingers and under your fingernails.You’ll increase the risk of transmitting bacteria if you leave your hands wet.“Make sure to wash your hands often, make sure to wash your hands long enough for the soap to do its job and make sure to dry your hands well,” Dr. Vyas said.But Dr. Vyas said you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.