How to Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Medically reviewed by Mark Ziats, MD, PhD

Last Updated: April 15, 2023 References

Good hand hygiene is one of the basics of medical practice. It is often one of the first lines of defense against infections. Good hand hygiene is a fundamental skill for any professional working within a healthcare environment, any employee working in food service, or anyone who simply wants to stay healthy and safe.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Washing Your Hands with Soap and Water

Wet both hands with running water. Warm or hot water is best, but cold water may be acceptable. ^{[1]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Dispense a generous amount of liquid soap into your palm. Liquid soap is preferable. ^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Spread soap onto both palms. Be sure this area is sufficiently covered by soap.
Repeat this action with the left hand over the right. This will spread soap onto the backs of both hands. Be sure this area is sufficiently covered by soap. ^{[3]
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Spread soap between your fingers. Move your fingers back and forth to ensure that soap reaches all areas between your fingers. ^{[4]
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World Health Organization
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Interlock your fingers. This ensures that soap reaches the very back of your fingers. ^{[5]
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“Rotational rubbing” simply means to rub in a circular motion. Use the palm of one hand to wash the thumb of the opposite hand by way of rotational rubbing. Repeat this on the other side. ^{[6]
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Bring the fingers of one hand together. Use these fingers to wash the opposite palm by way of rotational rubbing. Repeat this on the other side. ^{[7]
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Use one hand to clean the opposite wrist by way of rotational rubbing. Repeat this on the other side. ^{[8]
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Place your hands under running water. Remove all traces of soap. Again, warm water is preferred, but cold water may be acceptable.
Use a clean disposable towel. Dry your hands until no wetness remains. Dispose of used towels right away. ^{[9]
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Mayo Clinic
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Cleaning your Hands with an Alcohol Rub

1
Dispense a palmful of alcohol rub into a cupped hand. Use enough alcohol rub to cover the skin of both hands.
- This method should only be used if hands are not visibly soiled, or if washing with soap and water is not possible. ^{[10]
  X
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} It should not be used if you have open cuts on your skin.
Spread product onto both palms. Be sure this area is sufficiently covered by alcohol rub.
Repeat this action with the left hand over the right. This will spread product onto the backs of both hands. Be sure this area is sufficiently covered by alcohol rub. ^{[11]
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Research source}
Spread alcohol rub between your fingers. Move your fingers back and forth to ensure that product reaches all areas between your fingers. ^{[12]
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Research source}
Interlock your fingers. ^{[13]
X
Research source} This ensures that the product reaches the very back of your fingers.
“Rotational rubbing” simply means to rub in a circular motion. Use the palm of one hand to distribute product onto the thumb of the opposite hand by way of rotational rubbing. Repeat this on the other side.
Bring the fingers of one hand together. Use these fingers to distribute alcohol rub onto the opposite palm by way of rotational rubbing. Repeat this on the other side.
Use one hand to distribute alcohol rub onto the opposite wrist by way of rotational rubbing. Repeat this on the other side.
You will not need disposable towels. Simply wait a few moments. Once dry, your hands are clean. ^{[14]
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Research source}

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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Wearing Disposable Gloves

Wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure all parts of your hands and wrists are properly cleansed. Dry your hands completely using a disposable towel.
Any place where you skin is broken must be protected. Apply a waterproof dressing to all cuts and injuries, even very small ones.
Remove any rings or bracelets from your hands and store them in a safe place. Jewelry (even plastic jewelry) can easily damage your gloves.
Take a moment to look at your finger nails. They should be kept short. If fingernails are too long, take some time to groom them.
Look over each glove carefully. Ensure that each gloves in in tact, and free from any imperfections. ^{[15]
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Research source} If you notice any problems with the gloves, dispose of them and begin again with a new pair.
Carefully place your hands into the gloves one at a time. Be sure that each finger fits into its proper slot. The gloves should fit well, but not too tight.
When you are finished using the gloves, remove each one by carefully pealing back from the wrist opening. Dispose of used gloves immediately in the proper receptacle.
Wash your hands with soap and water. Again, make sure all parts of your skins are properly cleansed. Dry your hands completely using a disposable towel

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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Deciding When to Wash Your Hands

Any time you will be working with food, you should first stop and make sure your hands are sanitary. This is true both if you are preparing food for others, or simply making a snack at home for yourself. ^{[16]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
Whenever you are treating an injury or sickness, you need to take special care not to spread bacteria. Stop and wash your hands before dealing with the illness or injury at hand. ^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
Raw meat or poultry can potentially contain bacteria, such as E. coli or salmonellosis . Always wash your hands after preparing or handling food.
Like raw meat, human excrement may contain large amounts of E. coli bacteria. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a baby, or even scrubbing your toilet at home. ^{[18]
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This can include garbage, household cleaning supplies, or garden chemicals. Garbage can contain many different types of bacteria from rotting food and other items. Household cleaners and other chemicals are also dangerous for your health. Wash your hands after touching anything you think might be dangerous. ^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

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Tips

Wash with soap and water whenever possible. Soap and water must be used whenever hands are visibly soiled.

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Gloves are not a substitute for washing hands.

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Disposable gloves are designed to be single use. They should never be washed and reused.

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Things You'll Need

A sink
Running water
Liquid soap
Alcohol rub
Disposable gloves

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How to Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Steps

Washing Your Hands with Soap and Water

Cleaning your Hands with an Alcohol Rub

Wearing Disposable Gloves

Deciding When to Wash Your Hands

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Things You'll Need

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References

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