During 2020, we have heard experts, healthcare providers, friends, neighbors, and even our own young children talk about the importance of handwashing. While living through the COVID-19 pandemic has put handwashing at the top of everyone’s to-do list, we are here to celebrate how this one action has helped keep us healthy for years, and will continue to keep us healthy long after 2020.

Handwashing is an easy step to take throughout the day and has shown to be one of the best ways to keep germs from spreading, which is a big reason to celebrate! It is easy, effective, and already part of our daily routines.

A few rules of handwashing can help make sure you and the people around you are healthy and safe from germs.

1. You need soap.

Handwashing has to include soap. Rinsing hands might get dirt or something sticky off your hands, but the germs that can spread diseases and illnesses will still be there. If there isn’t soap nearby, use hand sanitizer.

2. Any kind of hand soap will do.

You don’t need to use antibacterial soap. Regular hand soap does the job without some of the added chemicals that you really don’t need.

3. Wash every part of your hand.

To get the benefits of washing your hands, you really have to wash your whole hand. According to the CDC, that means lathering hands well with the soap and making sure to wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

4. Take your time.

The amount of time you should lather soap around all parts of your hands is 20 seconds. You can hum (or sing!) the “Happy Birthday” song which is about 20 seconds if you need a little help remembering. Then, rinse for 10 seconds. This ensures all of the soap and the germs are rinsed off your hands.

Remember, washing your hands is the best way to keep yourself and others healthy. Let’s celebrate the easy and effective way to prevent the spread of illnesses this week and always.

Wash your hands!