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Hand Hygiene: How to Wash Your Hands Properly (and When)

Handwashing is one of the simplest ways to prevent infections. Learn the right technique, how long to scrub, when to use sanitiser, and key moments to wash.

Medically reviewed by Doctoright Medical Review Panel · Written by Doctoright Editorial Team
Updated on · 2 min read

Key takeaways

  • Washing hands with soap and water removes germs that cause diarrhoea, respiratory infections, typhoid and more.
  • Scrub every surface of your hands for at least 20 seconds: the full WHO technique takes 40 to 60 seconds.
  • Alcohol based sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol works when hands aren't visibly dirty.
  • Always wash after using the toilet, changing a nappy or caring for a sick person, and before cooking or eating.

Clean hands are one of the most effective defences against infection. Washing with soap and water cuts the risk of diarrhoeal illness and respiratory infections, and it's especially important in homes with babies, older adults or anyone who is unwell.

When to wash your hands

Before:

  • preparing or eating food
  • feeding a child
  • touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • caring for a wound or a sick person
  • inserting contact lenses or a menstrual cup

After:

  • using the toilet
  • changing a nappy or cleaning a child who has used the toilet
  • handling an underpad, adult diaper or bodily fluids
  • blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
  • touching animals, animal feed or waste
  • handling rubbish
  • returning home from public places

How to wash your hands properly

  1. Wet your hands with clean running water.
  2. Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces.
  3. Rub palms together.
  4. Rub the back of each hand with the opposite palm, interlacing your fingers.
  5. Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced.
  6. Rub the backs of your fingers against the opposite palm.
  7. Rotate each thumb inside the opposite fist.
  8. Rub your fingertips into the opposite palm in a circular motion.
  9. Rinse well under running water.
  10. Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

Scrub for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to hum "Happy Birthday" twice. The full WHO procedure takes 40 to 60 seconds.

Soap and water or sanitiser?

Soap and water is best:

  • when hands are visibly dirty or greasy
  • after using the toilet
  • after handling raw meat
  • when someone has diarrhoea or vomiting: some germs, like norovirus, and certain spores aren't killed well by sanitiser

Alcohol based hand sanitiser is a good alternative when soap and water aren't available, if it contains at least 60% alcohol. Use enough to cover all surfaces, and rub until dry (about 20 to 30 seconds).

Learn how sanitisers differ from surface disinfectants in disinfectant vs sanitiser.

Teaching children

  • Make it a routine before meals and after the toilet.
  • Use a step stool so they can reach the tap.
  • Sing a song for 20 seconds.
  • Keep nails short and clean.

Caring for your hands

Frequent washing can dry the skin. Use a moisturiser regularly: cracked skin can harbour germs.

Good hand hygiene helps prevent infections such as typhoid and is essential when caring for a bedridden patient.

How we reviewed this article: 3 sources

Doctoright has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer reviewed studies, academic research institutions and medical associations. Learn more.

Last medically reviewed on 16 September 2026. Originally published 22 June 2026.

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