Overview
Steps for proper handwashing include:
1. Take off any jewelry. 2. Wet your hands with clean water. 3. Apply soap and lather your hands by rubbing them together for at least 20 seconds. 4. Make sure you also lather the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. Rinse well. 5. Dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Proper handwashing is the best way to avoid spreading germs to help prevent infection.
Review Date 10/17/2019
Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.