Washing your hands properly will remove dirt, viruses and bacteria so it cannot spread to other people. 

Essentially, if in doubt – wash your hands!

You should wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds to effectively kill bacteria. 

Washing your hands for 15 seconds or shorter can mean that a bacteria including E-coli can be found on a quarter of our hands.  

The NHS provide the following information about hand washing techniques…

• Wet your hands with water (warm or cold).
• Apply enough soap to cover all over your hands.
• You can use alcohol-based handrub if you don’t have immediate access to soap and water.
• Rub hands palm to palm.
• Rub the back of your left hand with your right palm with interlaced fingers and repeat with the other hand.
• Rub your palms together with fingers interlaced.
• Rub the backs of your fingers against your palms with fingers interlocked.
• Clasp your left thumb with your right hand and rub in rotation. Repeat with your left hand and right thumb.
• Rub the tips of your fingers in the other palm in a circular motion, going backwards and forwards. Repeat with the other hand.
• Rinse hands with water (warm or cold).
• Dry thoroughly, ideally with a disposable towel.
• Use the disposable towel to turn off the tap.
• Think about the cleanliness of the things you touch after washing your hands before you carry out food related tasks. For example, is the door handle clean?

This NHS video demonstrates their recommended hand washing technique.

Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and flu. But what’s the best handwashing technique? Washing your hands properly should take about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice (around 20 seconds).

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Good personal hygiene is really important. 

These are the ways you can practice good personal hygiene…