Why Handwashing Matters More Than You Think
Handwashing does more than remove visible dirt. Proper hand hygiene helps interrupt pathways through which harmful microorganisms can spread.
Handwashing is simple, but its benefits go far beyond removing visible dirt.
Throughout the day, our hands touch surfaces, food, our faces and other people. Each contact creates opportunities for microorganisms to move from one place to another.
Good hand hygiene helps interrupt those transmission pathways.
The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend washing hands with plain soap and water. When hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol can also be an effective alternative.
Important times to clean your hands include:
- Before preparing or eating food
- After using the toilet
- After coughing or sneezing
- Whenever your hands are visibly dirty
Soap, therefore, is not simply about keeping your hands looking or feeling clean. Proper handwashing is a practical infection-prevention habit that can reduce opportunities for harmful microorganisms to spread.
Why It Matters
Hand hygiene is a simple and inexpensive everyday action that can help interrupt the pathways through which preventable infections spread.
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