‘Tis the season not only for festive music and decorations but for seasonal germs that can quickly ruin your holiday season. You may not be aware, but the month of December includes National Handwashing Awareness week. This is a time to review the essential habit of handwashing and make sure you’re doing it correctly.
So let’s put your handwashing habits to the test! If you were to take a handwashing survey how would you fare? Let’s review and find out.
Handwashing Survey Q&A
How Often Should You Wash Your Hands?
Q- How often should you wash your hands?
A- Hopefully you’re already washing effectively after using the bathroom, but there are other important times you need to be washing up. Be sure to wash your hands AFTER taking out the trash, working with animals, caring for someone who is sick, and BEFORE preparing food or sitting down for a meal.
What’s the Most Important Part of Handwashing?
Q- What do you think is the most essential part of proper handwashing? Is it the type of soap? The water temperature? The time spent washing?
A- Although all of the above play a vital role, the friction of rubbing and scrubbing your hands together after lathering is most important part of germ prevention. Best practices from the CDC recommend rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds each time you wash. And don’t forget to clean the fronts and backs of your hands as well as your nails and in between your fingers.
Does Water Temperature Matter?
Q- Is hot water is more effective at cleaning hands than cold water?
A- Believe it or not, both warm and cold water can be effectively used for proper handwashing. Water temperature is a matter of personal preference, and younger children often prefer to wash with cooler water. As long as you’re following proper handwashing technique, water temperature isn’t important.
Is Antibacterial Soap the Best Choice?
Q- Do you need to use antibacterial soap to really get your hands clean?
A- Although that may seem like the best option, research suggests it’s actually better to use plain soap and water. Evidence suggests that antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap. Additionally, the ingredients in antibacterial soaps may not be safe for daily use over time.
3 Great Hand Soap Options
Looking for the best hand soap to use in your home? Here are a few good choices:
Moisturizing Hand Soap from Kiss My Face
Fragrance Free Moisturizing Hand Soap from Kiss My Face contains olive oil and aloe to soothe and moisturize sensitive skin while cleaning away germs.
Grandma’s Pure Soap with Goat’s Milk from Remwood Products
Perfect for daily handwashing, Grandma’s Pure Soap with Goat’s Milk from Remwood Products contains moisturizing goat’s milk and oatmeal – perfect for sensitive skin.
Mango Butter Bar Soap from Nubian Heritage
Infuse your hands with the nourishing moisture of cocoa butter every time you wash with this Mango Butter Bar Soap from Nubian Heritage.
The 5 Steps to Healthier Handwashing
To review, here are the 5 steps you should be taking every time you wash your hands.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water
- Later up with soap
- Scrub hands and fingers together for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse completely with clean, running water.
- Air dry or use a clean hand towel.
How did you fare on our handwashing survey? What changes do you need to make? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
About Theresa Groskopp, CN
Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking. Theresa Groskopp