Handwashing

Because you touch and handle many objects in your daily life, your hands can come into contact with microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that cause infections (e.g., flu, cold, gastroenteritis). Germs are transmitted through direct contact with people (e.g., handshakes) and contaminated objects (e.g., telephones, door handles, faucets).

These microorganisms end up on surfaces when a person coughs or sneezes, causing microdroplets to be projected into the air and onto objects. When you touch these contaminated surfaces and then touch your face, you risk developing an infection, as the nose, eyes, and mouth are gateways for germs.

Washing your hands remains an extremely effective way to reduce the risk of contamination, both for yourself and for others.

When to wash your hands

To maintain good hand hygiene, it's important to wash your hands often. Here are some examples of situations that require increased vigilance and systematic handwashing:

Handwashing technique

It is important to wash your hands often with lukewarm water and soap. Ordinary soap is fine; you don't need to buy antibacterial soap.

1. Wet your hands with lukewarm water.

2. Apply liquid or bar soap.

3. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure you scrub every surface:

the palms and backs of your hands;

between your fingers;

your fingernails;

your thumbs, and;

your wrists.

4. Rinse your hands thoroughly to remove all traces of soap.

5. Dry your hands with an electric hand dryer or a clean cloth or paper towel.

6. If possible, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. Avoid touching dirty objects as you leave the bathroom.

Alcohol-based antiseptic

In cases where you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, you can use antiseptic products, which are effective in eliminating germs. Antiseptics are available in the form of gels, liquids, and foams.

Choose a product containing at least 60% alcohol. Here are some basic guidelines to using antiseptics effectively: 

• Make sure your hands are dry before applying the product to avoid diluting it.
• Use enough to cover your hands.
• Rub the product in, making sure it covers your palms, the backs of your hands, the skin between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Rub your hands together until they are dry.

Other useful tips

• Children often don't scrub for long enough when washing their hands. Try asking them to sing a song that lasts the recommended 20 seconds to make handwashing more fun and effective.
• When someone is sick, it's important to disinfect the objects around them with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Bedding and clothing should be washed with ordinary laundry detergent.
• If you have cuts on your skin, it's important to keep them covered at all times, as they are vulnerable to infection.
• Wearing gloves is not the same as washing your hands. It is recommended to wash your hands even after wearing gloves.
• If your skin becomes too dry from repeated use of antiseptic products or frequent handwashing, apply a moisturizer.

For more information:

• Hand Hygiene - Government of Canada