Now that autumn has arrived, temperatures are gradually dropping and the “summer of the century” has come to an end, the cold and flu season is slowly but surely beginning. However, by washing your hands regularly and properly, you can protect yourself from infection with viruses and bacteria. Not least for this reason, the “Global Handwashing Day,” initiated by the World Health Organization, celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 15, 2018.
The more you think about what we touch every day, the stronger the urge becomes to wash your hands. Whether it’s your smartphone, door handles, computer keyboards, money, or handrails on public transport—these objects are all contaminated with germs that can be more or less harmful to us.
Even the youngest children learn how important proper and thorough handwashing is. With handwashing songs and fun movement games, they are introduced to the habit at an early age—and for good reason: 80 percent of all infectious diseases are transmitted via the hands. However, those who wash their hands regularly can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Are You Washing Your Hands Correctly?
Studies and surveys show that only around 40 percent of people in Germany wash their hands according to the recommendations of the Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA). This does not mean that the other 60 percent never wash their hands—rather, they often fall short of the recommended duration or skip using soap altogether. Are you unsure whether you’re doing everything correctly? Don’t worry—if you simply follow these four steps and our tips, you’ll definitely be on the safe and clean side!
How to Get Your Hands Truly Clean!
Step 1: Wet your hands under running water. The temperature is not crucial—what matters is that it feels comfortable for you.
Step 2: Lather your hands thoroughly with a mild soap. A liquid soap, such as Herbacin kamille Cream Soap, is particularly suitable. Solid soap bars are less ideal, as germs can remain on their surface. Distribute the soap gently and carefully over your hands, including between your fingers. The recommended duration for lathering is 20 seconds—about the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” twice in a row.
Step 3: Rinse off the foam thoroughly under running water, leaving as little residue as possible.
Step 4: Dry your hands thoroughly. When you’re out and about, it’s best to use paper towels instead of electric hand dryers, as the latter can spread up to 60 times more germs into the air.
Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands!
Of course, everyone knows to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. However, here are a few additional tips on when handwashing is especially important to stay clean and healthy throughout autumn:
Tip 1: Wash your hands as soon as you arrive home. This removes all the germs and bacteria you’ve come into contact with while out and about.
Tip 2: After blowing your nose or sneezing—especially when you have a cold—you should wash your hands thoroughly.
Tip 3: To further reduce exposure to germs in everyday life, we also recommend regularly cleaning your smartphone, steering wheel, door handles, keyboards, and faucets in addition to washing your hands.
As you can see, it’s that simple to protect yourself from viruses and bacteria!
We wish you good health throughout the autumn season.