Table of contents:
- The wrong way to wash hands, but is often done by many people
- 1. Hand wash not under running water
- 2. Wash hands with water only
- 3. Wash hands with plain soap
- 4. Only rub the palms of the hands
- 5. Wash your hands too soon
What are the habits of washing hands that are wrong and that are often practiced by many people? Come on, see the review below to find out what is the proper and correct way to wash hands.
The wrong way to wash hands, but is often done by many people
Hands are the members of the body that are most easily exposed to various foreign substances, not only pathogens (germs) but also chemicals. In addition, you often use your hands to hold food, pick up cutlery, and touch your eyes or nose.
Of course, hands are easy access for various foreign substances to enter the body, right? That is why adopting a habit of washing hands is important. Unfortunately, there are still many people who wash their hands the wrong way, like the following.
1. Hand wash not under running water
Apart from not using soap, many people also like to wash their hands with running water. For example, sticking your hands into the water in a container such as a bucket, scoop, or small bowl. Usually, this action you often do when eating at a place to eat lesehan. Feeling lazy to wash your hands from tap water and feeling hungry, sometimes make you prefer to wash your hands from cold water.
Even if your hands have been in contact with water and you have squeezed your fingers, washing your hands this way does not make your hands really clean. The water in the bowl has mixed with dirt from your hands. When you raise your hand, the bacteria that build up will stick to your hand again.
2. Wash hands with water only
Maybe you are one of the many people who wash their hands with only water. Make no mistake, washing your hands with running water alone is not effective for removing bacteria that stick to the skin, you know.
Water only carries some germs or bacteria, it doesn't actually kill all dirt. Especially if your hands have been held or exposed to dirty objects, the number and variety of germs and bacteria will certainly be greater.
3. Wash hands with plain soap
Apart from using running water, you will need soap to wash your hands. Water will only wash away a few germs but not kill them. You can choose an antiseptic soap for hand washing.
This type of soap has a special content that can kill germs. So, your hands will be cleaner and free from dirt and germs.
Avoid washing your hands with dish soap, especially if you have sensitive skin types or have skin problems.
4. Only rub the palms of the hands
Yes, everyone knows that when washing your hands, you need to rub the palms of your hands. The problem is, are you sure that germs are only in the palms of your hands? How about between your fingers and nails?
You need to know that germs like to hide in places that are difficult to reach, of course, between fingers and nails. If you only rub the palms of your hands, the germs that are hiding between your nails will not be removed. You want to make sure to scrub the entire area of your hands until they become lather. Rubbing antiseptic soap until it lathers is key to removing dirt, oil, and microbes that stick to the skin.
5. Wash your hands too soon
After using an antiseptic soap and rinsing it with running water, surely you think that the method of washing your hands is good and correct. Even if you wash only briefly, it is not yet effective at killing germs. A study at Michigan State University showed 95% of people didn't wash their hands for long enough. They only spend about 6 seconds washing their hands.
As a result, not all germs were killed and still stuck on the hands. Effective hand washing takes about 20 seconds in a scrubbing motion of an antiseptic soap and rinsing it under running water. So, from now on, don't just wash your hands.