The Coronavirus or the COVID-19 just appeared out of the blue this year in most places around the world that originated from China. And as a result, people are told that the only way to flatten the curb and to slow the spread is to stay socially isolated. They are told to quarantine themselves at home with the exception of running essential errands such as going grocery shopping. That is unless they tested positive for the virus, then they must stay at home for 14 days.
People are also washing their hands very well as they have been told that is the best way to kill off any viruses on the hands after touching surfaces. However, what people don’t know is that they are making 15 mistakes when it comes to handwashing. Let’s go over those right now.
You Are Not Scrubbing Your Fingernails
Your fingernails are a host for viruses and bacteria. And if you are not scrubbing up your fingernails, then you are not getting your hands completely clean.
You Are Not Using Much Soap
It is hard to know how much soap you are using but if you are not creating a major lather in your hands from the soap with little effort, then that is a sign right there that you are not using enough. It is better to use too much soap than too little, however, at the same token using more than a few pumps of soap can dry out your hands later. When you are at home, moisturize your hands just in case.
Neglecting To Dry Your Hands
If you don’t dry your hands with paper towels or a hand dryer, then that means that your wet hands can pick up bacteria and viruses again easily when you touch something. Therefore, the hand-washing efforts you would have made would have defeated the purpose.
Grabbing Soap First Before Wetting The Hands
In order to wash your hands effectively, you need to wet your hands first and then grab the soap whether it is a bar or liquid. The wet hands will absorb the soap properties better that will kill off the bacteria.
Scrubbing Your Hands For Less Than 20 Seconds
You could wash your hands for 5 seconds and think that you are done. But that is not long enough to scrub off the bacteria. You need to scrub your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds at least. Count to 20 by saying ‘1 -1000, 2-1000, 3 -1000, etc.
You Touch The Faucet After Washing Your Hands
If you stop scrubbing your hands and you then decide to touch the faucet after then that means you will recontaminate yourself. Therefore, it would have defeated the purpose. Faucets are full of viruses, bacteria, and other microbes.
You Are Not Using Soap While Washing Your Hands
You NEED to use soap when you are washing your hands in order to kill off any microbes! Otherwise, water alone cannot wash away viruses. Even if it is hot water you are using.
You Are Not Completely Rinsing Off The Soap
After lathering up your hands with soap, you must wash it all off. Soap residue that is not washed off will attract viruses and bacteria. And if you eat something with soap residue on it, it can make you sick. Additionally, leftover soap can irritate your skin.
Your Bar Of Soap Is Not Clean
If you do not clean your bar of soap then it is not useful when it comes to killing off microbes as it would have collected it. You need to clean off your bar of soap well before using it.
You Are Not Washing The Back Of Your Hands
You may think that your palms are contaminated which is why you are scrubbing those up. But if you are neglecting to wash the back of your hands, then you are not getting them completely clean either. The virus can attach anywhere.
Your Hand Towels Are Dirty
When was the last time you washed your hand towels? Because they could be filled with microbes. If you are not washing your hand towels often, then you are better off drying your hands with disposable paper towels. As soon as the hand towels are used at least 3 times, they need to go into the laundry.
You Are Only Using Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are only good for eliminating some germs and are only good to use if you don’t have access to soap and water somewhere. However, if you are only relying on hand sanitizers then you are not eliminating all of the viruses and bacteria in your hands.
You Are Not Getting Soap Unless It Is Antibacterial
Don’t be fooled by the claims that antibacterial soap is better. Besides, the Coronavirus is not bacterial. Any soap as long as you wash your hands well and often enough will kill the virus off.
You Don’t Wash Your Hands Once You Come Home
If you have been grocery shopping, the first thing to do is to go to the bathroom and wash your hands well. If you go home and you end up doing another task first, then wash your hands after, then that won’t prevent you from spreading anything.
You Are Washing Your Hands Too Much
Yes, you want to wash your hands well enough to be clean and to kill the virus, but you don’t want to become obsessed. Your skin will become chapped, and chapped skin can break, and viruses and bacteria can end up entering your body as a result! Moderation is the key to everything!
Now after reading this, you may be recognizing some mistakes you have made. But don’t fret. You now know how to wash your hands properly and effectively. Stay safe!
