Anna Schremmer, K-State Research & Extension Family Consumer Science Agent for Phillips-Rooks District #5

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

Here we go again! Wash your hands! Yes, it is very important to wash your hands whether we are in flu season, protecting ourselves from the corona virus, or after we go to the bathroom. I often get the question about why is plain soap and water better than hand sanitizer.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. So why is washing hands with plain soap and water better than using hand sanitizers? Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin. The soap bubbles catch the germs and dirt, and washes the germs and dirt down the drain. This is the same science when washing clothes. The detergent holds the dirt suspended in the water and then it is spun away.  Hand sanitizers cannot do that, that is why it works best to use hand sanitizers on clean hands for a protection shield. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community, from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

So how should you wash your hands to stay healthy? Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “ABC”song or “Happy Birthday” from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Then use hand sanitizer if you desire, especially before heading to the grocery store. Repeat washing your hands and using hand sanitizer when you return for the store too).

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

The Phillips-Rooks District offices are closed to the public. The staff is still working in the office practicing social distancing. Please call the office to make an appointment for anything you are needing. Staff will have it ready for you to pick up at your appointment time.

Remember to:  Wash your hands with soap and water. It’s the bubbles that grab the germs and takes them away. Then use hand sanitizer after hands are clean.