Everything You Need to Know about Handwashing!

In the midst of this huge fight against the novel coronavirus, we are desperately seeking reliable information on how to keep our hands clean and free of viruses.

But how do we keep our hands virus-free? Is hand soap enough to get rid of COVID-19? Are there any special types of soaps to be used? Are there any special hand washing techniques to eliminate COVID-19.

Here’s what you need to know to keep COVID-19 at bay!

Hand Soap versus Hand Sanitizer: What’s the Best Option?

To help you in finding out which one suits you best, we’ve compiled the pros and cons of both hand hygiene methods that will help you make the best decision. Check it out:

Why Is Hand Soap So Effective at Killing COVID-19?

COVID-19 can survive on the surface of the skin. This means that COVID-19 can be transferred from hands to hands, hands to surfaces, and surfaces to hands. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, you must practice proper hand hygiene.

Soap and water have been recognized by the WHO and the CDC as the most effective and affordable method to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Yes, the world’s biggest scientists can’t find a cure to this deadly virus, but that small piece of soap sitting by your sink can kill the virus before it gets inside of your lungs!

Ironical, isn’t it?

But what makes soap so effective? 

To understand what makes soap so effective, let’s dive into some basic scientific facts!

Hand soap is made up of great molecules that scientists refer to as amphiphiles. A soap molecule has two sides, one that attracts water and the other that hates water. When all these soap molecules come together, they form tiny sacs that enclose germs. Once enclosed, these sacs are washed off with water taking the germs along.

Hand soap also works by targeting the outer lipid layer.  Soap dissolves this envelope. As a result, the virus disassembles, loses its structure, and ‘dies’.

Does the Type of Soap Matter?

No. The type of soap does not matter; at least, that’s what we know for now. All the official health authorities make no mention of the type of soap to be used. During an interview by the CBC News, a doctor pointed out that there are no special preferences for the type of soap to be used.

10 Simple Steps to Wash Your Hands Properly!

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Step 1: Firstly, wet your hands with water.

Step 2: Apply a sufficient amount of hand soap to cover all the surfaces of your hands.

Step 4: Rub the palms of your hands together.

Step 5: Now rub your right palm on the dorsal surface of your left hand with your fingers interlaced. Repeat on the other side.

Step 6: Rub your palms together with your fingers interlaced.

Step 7: Slightly flex all your fingers and rub the back of your fingers against the opposing palms. Keep your fingers interlocked while rubbing.

Step 8: Surround your right thumb with the fingers of your left hand. Rub your thumb in a rotational manner. Repeat this step on your left thumb.

Step 9: Now rub the tips of your left hand in a rotational manner on your right palm and vice versa.

Step 10: Finally, rinse your hands with water and dry thoroughly with a single-use towel. Use the towel to close the faucet.