A Sanitary Life

With the COVID-19 health crisis well underway, many of us are taking a hard look at ways to eliminate germs and viruses from our lives.  We are becoming germ freaks, obsessed with cleanliness and protecting our loved ones. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Let’s try to make some sense of all this. The CDC and WHO recommend washing hands with soap and water whenever possible, because hand washing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The CDC and WHO guidance for effective hand washing and use of hand sanitizer in community settings was developed based on data from a number of studies. A couple interesting things to note: Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Many studies show that hand sanitizers work well in clinical settings like hospitals, where hands come into contact with germs but generally are not heavily soiled or greasy. However, hands may become very greasy or soiled in community settings, such as after people handle food, play sports, work in the garden, or go camping or fishing. When hands are heavily soiled or greasy, hand washing with soap and water is the best course of action. Also, hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals, like pesticides and heavy metals, from hands.  When using hand sanitizers, be sure to use one with active ingredients of ethanol alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or benzalkonium chloride. All others are not legally marketable as hand sanitizers, and FDA recommends that consumers should avoid them.

Knowing when to clean your hands and which method to use will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.

When to Hand Wash with Soap and Water:

Before, during, and after preparing food. Before eating food. Before and after caring for someone who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Before and after treating a cut or wound. After using the toilet. After changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom. After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste. After handling pet food or pet treats. After touching garbage. After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. After riding public transportation, holding handrails, touching public doors.  Anytime your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

When to use Hand Sanitizer:

Before and after visiting a friend or loved one in a hospital or nursing home. After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. After riding public transportation, holding handrails, touching public doors.  Any time soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer, and then wash with soap and water as soon as you can. DO NOT use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy—for example, after gardening, playing outdoors, fishing, or camping. If a hand washing station is available, wash your hands with soap and water instead.

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way: 

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, but it’s important to follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.

Here at B.Witching, we know it’s always helpful to use a soap with a aroma you enjoy, as it makes the cleansing experience so much more delightful!