Tips
Tips for When to Wash Your Hands
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to hand hygiene—you can never wash too much!
Tips for Good Hand Washing (The 7 Step Process)
Step 1: Rub palms together.
Step 2: Rub the back of both hands.
Step 3: Interlace fingers and rub hands together.
Step 4: Interlock fingers and rub the back of fingers of both hands.
Step 5: Rub thumb in a rotating manner followed by the area between index finger and thumb for both hands.
Step 6: Rub fingertips on palm for both hands.
Step 7: Rub both wrists in a rotating manner. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
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Step 8: Dry
Drying your hands is a critical step of hand hygiene. Wet or damp hands can spread up to 1,000 times more germs than dry hands!
If you wash your hands with soap and water, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly with a paper towel.
If you use hand sanitizer, keep rubbing your hands until your hands are dry. It takes about 20-30 seconds for hand sanitizer to dry. Germs are only killed when the gel or foam is dry.
Tips for Teaching Your Child & Family to Wash
- Make it Fun: Sing songs, make up a dance, or make funny faces in the mirror while washing hands. “We made up a funny name for the hand gel that we use—we call it ‘alien blood’ and that makes it more fun.”
- Keep it Consistent: Create a schedule for hand washing so that it becomes a good habit and part of your routine. “Every day when we get home from school we take off our shoes, go potty, then wash our hands. My son knows that the routine is to go potty and wash hands before playing.”
- Use Visual Aids: Post a picture of the 7-step hand washing process in the mirror to remind everyone of the different steps! Watch the video together and practice as it plays.
Tips for Asking Providers to Wash
- “I posted the 7-steps sign on the hospital door, so everyone walking in is reminded to wash their hands.”
- Involve your child! Your child can also ask providers and visitors to perform hand hygiene.
At Home
Welcome visitors and ask them to wash their hands immediately.
Remembering to Clean Devices
Cell phones and mobile devices can carry a lot of germs, especially since we touch them multiple times a day. Here are some tips about cleaning mobile devices:
- “Every day I get home, I wipe my phone down.”
- “I use an antibacterial wipe and tissue to clean my phone.”
- “I have to set a reminder so that I remember to clean my phone.”
- UV cell phone sanitizers are available and are pretty cheap.
Caring for Dry Hands
If you’re washing or sanitizing your hands multiple times a day, your hands might become dry. Here are some tips from parents to parents:
- “I moisturize my hands morning and night.”
- “I carry lotion in my purse and car.”
- “I put thick lotion on with gloves at night. That really helps!”
