We all know that keeping your hands germ free is the best way to avoid getting sick. Although the act of washing your hands may sound simple enough, in reality, about 90% of people are washing their hands incorrectly, or using faulty hand sanitizers. How does one wash hands correctly? When washing your hands, always scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds, and turn off the tap with a paper towel. A recent study showed that washing hands with tap water alone may reduce the amount of visible dirt on your hands but it does not kill germs on your skin. If you’re not using soap, your hand washing is doing nothing. When done properly, washing hands is the most effective way to keep from catching a cold.

Step 1:  Use clean running water to wet both hands.  Try to use warm water if possible.

Step 2:  Apply a liberal amount of soap to your hands.

Step 3:  Rub your hands together to form a nice lather.

Step 4:  Scrub all surfaces of the hands with the soap lather.

Step 5:  Continue rubbing your hands together for 20 seconds … yes TWENTY seconds!  Encourage small children to sing the alphabet and it will be about 20 seconds.

Step 6:  Rinse hands well under warm running water.  Make sure to remove all soap residue.

Step 7:  Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom door.

If you don't have access to a sink, hand sanitizer is just as effective in avoiding the common cold IF you use the right kind. A recent study showed when students used a hand sanitizer with under 60% ethanol, there was no reduction in CFU (colony-forming units), meaning it was completely ineffective. However, after rubbing their hands together for 15 seconds using a hand sanitizer of 62% alcohol, nearly 90% of the germs were killed. Most hand gels found in stores are between 60% and 90% alcohol, but some restaurants and businesses may purchase cheap brands, which often only contain around 40%. So be sure to check the label before purchasing any hand sanitizing gel. Sun Dew produces an incredible line of great smelling hand sanitizers that keep hands germ free for up to 4 hours AND moisturize at the same time.