Washing hands with soap and water at the right moments prevents a large share of diarrhoeal and respiratory infections, particularly in children.
Key points
- Wash for about 20 seconds with soap, covering the backs of hands, between fingers and under nails
- The key moments: before eating or cooking, after the toilet, after changing a nappy, after coughing or sneezing, after returning home
- Soap and water beat sanitiser on visibly dirty hands
- Handwashing prevents both stomach infections and respiratory infections
- Teaching children the habit early has an outsized effect
In more detail
Handwashing is one of the most effective public health measures there is. It prevents a substantial proportion of diarrhoeal illness and a meaningful share of respiratory infections.
Technique matters less than people think, but two things do matter: using soap, and taking long enough. About 20 seconds is the usual guidance. Cover the backs of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails, which are the spots most often missed.
Timing matters most. The critical moments are before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after cleaning a child or changing a nappy, after coughing or sneezing, after handling animals or waste, and when you get home.
Alcohol-based sanitiser is a good substitute when there is no soap and water, but it works poorly on visibly dirty or greasy hands. When hands look dirty, use soap.
Children benefit the most, and the habit sticks when it is taught early and made routine rather than presented as a rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wash my hands?
About 20 seconds with soap. Making sure you cover the backs of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails matters more than the exact count.
Is hand sanitiser as good as soap and water?
Alcohol-based sanitiser works well when soap and water are not available, but it is less effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands and against some germs. Where you can, use soap and water.