How to Properly Hand Rub: A Step-by-Step Guide

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While handwashing with soap and water is the gold standard for hygiene, there are times when soap and water may not be readily available.

In those situations, hand rubbing with hand sanitizer can be just as effective at killing germs—if done correctly.

Knowing how to rub your hands with hand sanitizer properly ensures you’re getting the full protective benefits.

Let’s dive into the correct way to do it!

Why Is Hand Rubbing Important?

Hand rubbing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers is an essential practice for maintaining hand hygiene, especially when you’re on the go or in places where water and soap aren’t available.

The alcohol in hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol content) can kill many types of germs, including bacteria and viruses, which helps to reduce the spread of illness.

However, it’s important to rub your hands thoroughly to make sure the sanitizer is effective.

Steps for Proper Hand Rubbing

Follow these easy steps to make sure you’re properly sanitizing your hands:

1. Apply Enough Hand Sanitizer

First, make sure you have enough hand sanitizer to cover the entire surface of both hands.

You’ll need about a dime-sized amount (or enough to completely cover both hands).

It’s important not to skimp on the amount of sanitizer, as it can affect the effectiveness of the process.

2. Rub Your Hands Together

Once you’ve applied the sanitizer, immediately begin rubbing your hands together.

Cover all areas, including the palms, the back of your hands, and the spaces between your fingers.

3. Rub the Palm of One Hand Over the Back of the Other Hand

After covering your palms, place one hand over the back of the other and rub them together.

This ensures that you’re covering all the areas of your hands with sanitizer.

Repeat this process for both hands.

4. Pay Attention to Your Thumbs, Fingertips, and Nail Beds

Don’t forget your thumbs and fingertips!

These areas are often missed but are key places where germs can hide.

Rub your thumb in the palm of your other hand and continue to massage the sanitizer into your fingertips and around your nails.

This helps ensure complete coverage.

5. Continue Rubbing Until Hands Are Dry

Keep rubbing your hands together until they feel completely dry.

This should take about 20 seconds.

The drying process is important, as it gives the alcohol time to work and kill the germs effectively.

Don’t wipe or rinse your hands before they’re completely dry.

When to Use Hand Rub

Hand sanitizers are ideal for situations where soap and water aren’t available, but they’re still useful at many points during the day.

Some of the key moments when hand rubbing with sanitizer is beneficial include:

• When you can’t wash your hands (e.g., on the go, at a public event, or while traveling)

• After touching high-contact surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, elevator buttons, shopping carts)

• Before eating when washing your hands isn’t an option

• After coughing or sneezing when you’re not near soap and water

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• When caring for someone sick and you need to clean your hands quickly

Tips for Effective Hand Rubbing

• Choose the right hand sanitizer: Make sure the sanitizer you use contains at least 60% alcohol.

  This concentration is necessary to effectively kill germs.

• Don’t rush: Give yourself enough time to thoroughly rub your hands.

  The longer you rub, the more effective the sanitizer will be at killing germs.

• Be mindful of your hands: If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, hand sanitizer might not be as effective.

  In this case, washing with soap and water is still the best option.

• Use regularly: Hand sanitizing is a quick and efficient way to keep germs at bay, but it’s not a substitute for regular handwashing when water and soap are available.

Conclusion

Hand rubbing with sanitizer is an easy and quick way to keep your hands clean when you’re on the move or unable to wash your hands.

By following the right steps—applying enough sanitizer, rubbing it in thoroughly, and ensuring that your hands are dry before touching anything—you’re ensuring that your hands remain free from harmful germs.

Remember, while hand sanitizers are great, they aren’t a replacement for soap and water.

Use them when necessary and keep your hands as clean as possible!

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