Wash your hands

Washing your hands properly - here is how it is done

Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly can reduce the number of pathegenic germs. 

This has two positive effects: it does not only decrease the risk of falling ill yourself but also helps prevent diseases from spreading quickly among the population. This is especially important during epidemics. If done properly - hand washing can interrupt the transmission of infectious diseases. 
  • 1. Wet your hands

    First, carefully wet your hands under running water.


    reminder: 

    The water's temperature does not affect how well the germs are rinsed off from our hands. So you can choose a temperature that feels comfortable. 

  • 2. Soap

    Thoroughly soap the palms, backs of your hands, thumbs, inbetween your fingers as well as your fingertips. Do not forget your fingernails. Gently rub into all areas.


    reminder: 

    No special soap is needed to wash your hands properly. It is best to use a mild soap (pH-neutral) and after throughly washing and drying your hands put on some moisturizing cream to prevent dry hands. 

  • 3. give it some time (useful tips for students)

    Cleaning should take at least 20 to 30 seconds, if your hands are very dirty even longer. 


    Tip:

    If you don't always want to sing or hum "Happy Birthday" to time your hand washing, you can also try the following:


    • With https://washyourlyrics.com you can create your own poster with your favorite hand-washing song. Just print it, hang it up in the bathroom and sing along loudly while washing your hands!
    • Learn a new language and repeat vocabulary while washing your hands or check your pronunciation with instructional videos. 
    • Test yourself! 

    Can you name all the German states, 15 types of fruit, 10 things that start with the same letter, etc. in 30 seconds? 

    - Refresh your anatomy knowledge! What muscles are there, and what is their purpose. There are also great apps (e.g. Kenhub) where you can learn for free and check your knowledge with short educational videos!

    - Listen to one of numerous podcasts (e.g. via Spotify and iTunes) while washing your hands, the 30 seconds will pass in no time!


    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

  • 4. Rinse thoroughly

    Rinse your hands under running water. In public washrooms, close the tap with a disposable towel or elbow.

  • 5. Dry carefully

    Das Abtrocknen der Hände – auch der Fingerzwischenräume – gehört zum wirksamen Händewaschen dazu. Durch das Abtrocknen werden Keime entfernt, die nach dem eigentlichen Waschen noch an den Händen haften. Außerdem mögen es viele krankmachende Keime schön feucht und warm. Gut abgetrocknete Hände bieten ihnen daher schlechtere Überlebenschancen. 

  • 6. Don't forget

    Washing hands is especially important ...

    • after using the rest room
    • after coming home
    • after having touched waste 
    • before cooking and each meal 
    • before taking medication or using cosmetics
    • before treating wounds
    • after sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose and contact with sick people 
Back to health tips
Sources:
https://www.bzga.de
https://www.waschen-wie-walter.de/saubere-haende/faq-zur-haendehygiene/
Share by: