Do Not Forget To Sanitise Your Hands!

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the need to sanitise your hands has been elevated to help stop the spread of the virus and keep people safe. By regularly sanitising your hands you kill harmful germs on your skin reducing the chance of passing on the virus to another person.

We wanted to use this blog as a gentle reminder so that you do not forget to sanitise your hands!

So, what is sanitisation?

Let us look at the definition of sanitising compared to cleaning. According to CDC Gov, cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects, whereas sanitising lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements.

The process of sanitisation works through a combination of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection. This means sanitation is more effective than simply cleaning.

How can you sanitise your hands?

Sanitising your hands is easy. You can do it through washing your hands with soap and warm water or using hand sanitiser. Both methods are equally effective and have their own benefits.

Washing your hands

Best for when you have visible dirt and grime on your hands. If you have access to a sink it is a thorough and effective way to sanitise your hands and lower arms. 

Hand sanitiser

Effective method of quickly sanitising your hands on the go without the need for a sink and soap. Sand sanitiser can come in different forms giving the user great options for what works best for their skin and body. 

Washing your Hands

Washing your hands is an excellent way to effectively sanitise your hands. It is best to use warm soapy water when doing so.

Below is a ten-step process on how to properly wash your hands.

1. Wet hands with warm water.
2. Apply a soap to the palm of your hands. 
3. Rub both hands together to distribute the soap.
4. Clean the back side of your hand – use the fingers on one hand to rub the back of the other. Repeat for both hands.
5. Rub both of your hands together to clean your palms.
6. Clean in between your fingers, both from the front and the back. Repeat for each hand. 
7. Rub the back of your fingers against your palms. Repeat for each hand. 
8. Clean both your thumbs using the opposite hand. 
9. Clean your fingertips and nails on the palm of your other hand. Repeat for each hand. 
10. Rinse both hands under warm water.

Check out our previous blog for more guidance on washing your hands.

Using hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is great for sanitising your hands when you are out and about and do not have access to a sink full of warm, soapy water.

Below is a four-step process on how to use hand sanitiser.

1. Apply the sanitiser to the palm of one hand. Each sanitiser will require a different amount so check the bottle to ensure you are using it correctly.
2. Rub your hands together.
3. Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands including your palms, the back of your hands and your fingers.
4. Continue rubbing until the sanitiser has disappeared and dried.

There are different types of hand sanitiser available including alcohol free hand foam sanitiser and alcohol gel hand sanitiser. Both are just as effective as each other. Choose whatever feels best for your skin and body. 

Alcohol-free foam sanitiser is highly effective against bacteria and viruses. It is gentle on skin and is great for uses where alcohol-based products are inappropriate. No water or handwashing is required after use.

Alcohol gel is an alcohol-based disinfectant that protects against bacteria and viruses. It will usually contain denatured ethanol with emollient. No water or handwashing is required after use.

When should you sanitise your hands?

It is sometimes hard to know when you should be sanitising your hands. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus we recommend doing it more regularly than you may have done in the past.

Check out the list below for some additional guidance:

• After visiting a public place such as an essential shop or the doctors.
• After you have been outside to exercise.
• After visiting a public or private restroom.
• Before and after preparing food.
• Before and after eating food.
• Before and after caring for a vulnerable loved one.
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

So, please do not forget to sanitise your hands!

We hope that this blog has inspired you to continue sanitising your hands on a regular and more often basis. By keeping our hands sanitised we stand a better chance of stopping the spread of the virus.

Why not send this blog onto a loved one to remind them not to forget to sanitise their hands?