Priority Community moments
Before the food, after the toilet, after coughing or being mowed, and as soon as the hands are dirty.
01Daily prevention
Hand hygiene: when and how to wash them
Hand hygiene reduces the transfer of microorganisms between people, food, objects and mucous membranes. The efficiency depends mainly on the right time, complete friction and proper drying.
AnswerThe essential first
In practice
The short answer
Use water and soap when the hands are visibly dirty, after the toilet and before preparing or eating food. In the absence of visible dirt, a hydro-alcoholic solution containing at least 60% alcohol may be a practical alternative. Cover all surfaces of the hands and continue the gesture about 30 seconds.
practical friction marker
Duration highlighted by Public Health France to cover hands methodically.
alcohol if the hands are not dirty
Minimum WHO threshold for an alternative hydro-alcoholic solution.
01Understanding the situation
The times that really change the risk
Washing your hands continuously is neither necessary nor desirable. Target transitions where hands can carry microorganisms to mouth, eyes, nose, food or other person.
Before food
Before cooking, eating, feeding a child or helping a person to feed.
After the toilet
After going to the toilet, changing a diaper or handling fecal matter.
After respiratory secretions
After coughing, sneezing, sneezing or helping a sick person.
After an exhibiting activity
After the waste, cleaning, an animal, soil or a surface clearly soiled.
As soon as they're dirty
The visible dirt is directed towards water and soap, not just to a hydro-alcoholic solution.
02Step by step
A simple method, surface by surface
If possible, remove the jewellery that interferes with the gesture. Water temperature is less important than soap, friction and rinse.
Moisture and soap
Moisten hands, apply enough soap and start friction.
Palms and backs
Rub palm against palm, then each back of hand with the opposite palm.
Fingers and spaces
Interlace your fingers and insist on each other, where the quick passage often forgets areas.
Inches, nails and fingertips
Surround each thumb and rub the ends of the fingers into the opposite palm.
Rinse
Remove the soap under running water without unnecessarily touching the walls of the sink.
Dry
Dry thoroughly with a clean towel, a single-use hand wipe or open air.
03Decision points
Choosing the right way
The context determines the right measure. Use these markers to choose the next action and when to ask for help.
Water and soap
To be preferred if hands are visibly dirty, after toilets, before food and when the context requires it.
Hydroalcoholic solution
Useful on dry hands and not visibly dirty. Use enough product to keep hands moist throughout the friction.
Care or professional setting
Follow the protocol of the place: indications, product, duration and equipment may differ from daily.
In practiceObserve and understand
A complete technique at the right moments
Rubbing time matters, as do the areas covered and what hands touch afterwards. CDC describes five steps for everyday handwashing; healthcare protocols have their own requirements.
Read the steps as text
Wet
Clean running water, warm or cold.
Lather
Palms, backs, between fingers, under nails.
Scrub
At least 20 seconds.
Rinse
Under clean running water.
Dry
Clean towel or air drying.
| Situation | Point to watch | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing a meal | Wash again after handling raw food. | Clean hands can become contaminated again during preparation. |
| After the toilet | Provide soap, water and clean drying facilities. | Wash before touching food or shared objects. |
| Visibly dirty hands | Prefer washing with soap and water. | Hand sanitiser does not remove all dirt. |
Keep in mind
A timer does not certify technique. Check that all hand areas are covered and consider contacts after washing.
References for these explanations
04Not to be done
Frequent errors
- Rinse immediately without frictioning all surfaces.
- Forget the thumbs, the spaces between the fingers and the fingertips.
- Wipe the hydro-alcoholic product before it has dried.
- Use hydroalcoholic solution on visibly dirty hands instead of washing them.
- Multiply aggressive washes without protecting irritated or damaged skin.
Important limitA cracked or very irritated skin can become painful and make hygiene more difficult. Use context-appropriate products and seek professional advice if lesions persist. In the care setting, apply the prevention protocols for institutional infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antibacterial soap or ordinary soap?
For routine hygiene, the WHO recommendations highlight ordinary soap and water. The quality of friction, rinsing and the right time are essential. A care setting or professional activity may impose a specific product.
Does hydro-alcoholic gel always replace washing?
No. It is an effective alternative when the hands are not visibly dirty. Water and soap remain indicated when dirt is present and in several everyday situations, including after toilets and around food preparation.
Should we use hot water?
No. Comfortable water is enough. Too hot water can irritate the skin; soap, friction on all surfaces, rinsing and drying are more important.
Do gloves provide hand hygiene?
No. Gloves can be contaminated, torn or contaminated with the hands when removed. Hand hygiene remains necessary at times foreseen by activity and protocol.
Check implementation
These points serve as a reminder to prepare the action. The boxes are not registered.
Sources used
These institutional references provide a means of checking the guide and accessing the full recommendations.
PratiqueCheck before deciding
Votre liste de vérification
- Repérer les moments liés aux repas, aux toilettes et aux soins.
- Vérifier l’accès à l’eau, au savon et à un séchage propre.
- Choisir le lavage quand les mains sont visiblement sales.
- Éviter de confondre port de gants et hygiène des mains.
Use alongside the guide’s steps, limitations and sources.
Folder Illustrations
Images generated by artificial intelligence to put the subject in context.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. Scene generated by IA to illustrate a hand washing step.