5.2. Explain the correct hand washing technique – Care Learning (2025)

This guide will help you answer 5.2. Explain the correct hand washing technique.

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections in health and social care settings. Hands can carry bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that might harm vulnerable individuals. Thorough hand washing helps protect everyone, including staff, residents, patients, and visitors.

In health and social care environments, strict hand hygiene protocols reduce the risk of infections such as flu, norovirus, or MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Understanding and applying correct techniques are key to maintaining a safe working environment. Guidance is available from the NHS on how to wash your hands.

When to Wash Your Hands

In health and social care, there are clear guidelines on when you should wash your hands. These situations include:

• Before starting work and leaving work.
• Before and after physical contact with a service user.
• Before carrying out aseptic tasks, such as dressing a wound.
• After exposure to body fluids, even if gloves are used.
• After handling contaminated items or surfaces, like bedpans or waste disposal units.
• Before eating and drinking.
• After using the toilet.
• After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
• Whenever hands feel or look dirty.

Washing your hands at the right times reduces contamination and helps protect service users from potential infections.

How to Wash Hands – Step-by-Step

Follow the hand washing steps provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure you clean all areas of your hands efficiently. The process should take at least 20-30 seconds to complete. You can use soap and warm water or approved hand hygiene products.

Step 1: Wet Hands with Water

Start by turning on the tap and wetting your hands with clean, running water. Warm water is recommended as it feels comfortable and helps lift dirt and grease from the skin. Avoid using excessively hot water as it can damage the skin.

Step 2: Apply Soap

Dispense enough soap to create a good lather. There is no need to use antibacterial soap unless required by your organisation. Regular hand soap is effective when used correctly.

Step 3: Rub Palms Together

Rub the palms of your hands together to create a lather. This helps break down dirt and grease and begins to remove any germs present.

Step 4: Clean the Backs of Each Hand

Place one hand over the back of the other and interlace your fingers. Move your hands back and forth to ensure the soap covers and cleans the back of the hand and spaces between the fingers. Repeat this process with the other hand.

Step 5: Interlace Fingers

With the palms still facing, interlace your fingers and rub the spaces in between them. This step is essential for cleaning areas that often get missed.

Step 6: Focus on Nails and Fingertips

Place your fingertips into the palm of the opposite hand and rub them in a circular motion. This helps clean under the fingernails, where microbes can hide. If available, a nail brush can be used, but it should be disinfected regularly.

Step 7: Wash the Thumbs

Take one thumb in the opposite hand and rub it thoroughly. Rotate the thumb back and forth to clean all surfaces. Repeat with the other thumb.

Step 8: Clean Wrists

Finish by cleaning both wrists. Take turns wrapping one hand around the opposite wrist and moving it back and forth.

Step 9: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water. Ensure no soap is left on the skin, as residue can cause irritation.

Step 10: Dry Hands

Dry your hands completely with a clean paper towel. Wet hands are more likely to transfer germs, so drying is an important final step. Use a single-use towel to turn off the tap if it is not touchless.

Use of Hand Sanitisers

In some cases, hand sanitiser is an acceptable alternative to hand washing. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers (with at least 60% alcohol) can kill many types of germs effectively. However, sanitisers should not be used if hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Hand washing with soap and water is recommended:

• After handling body fluids.
• Following contact with certain pathogens, such as norovirus.
• In outbreak situations where specific hygiene guidelines are in place.

Always follow organisational policies and guidance on hand hygiene.

Maintaining Skin Health

Frequent hand washing can lead to dry or irritated skin. This is especially common among care staff who wash their hands many times a day. Use a moisturising cream or lotion to keep your skin healthy. Organisations often supply approved products to prevent dermatitis (a skin condition caused by over-washing or exposure to irritants).

Key tips for skin care include:

• Applying moisturiser regularly, especially after shifts.
• Using lukewarm water rather than hot water.
• Avoiding vigorous towel drying.
• Wearing gloves where appropriate to reduce skin exposure to irritants.

Organisational Policies and Guidance

Health and social care organisations have policies stating the importance of hand hygiene. Staff are often trained on hand washing during their induction and through regular updates. This ensures that everyone understands best practices to prevent infection.

Policies may include:

• Regular audits of hand hygiene practices.
• Visual hand hygiene reminders placed near sinks.
• Providing adequate facilities, such as sinks, soap dispensers, and paper towels.

Compliance with these policies protects both staff and service users.

Common Mistakes in Hand Washing

Mistakes in hand washing can increase the risk of spreading germs. Some common errors include:

• Skipping steps or only washing the palms.
• Not spending enough time washing (less than 20 seconds).
• Forgetting to dry hands properly.
• Wearing rings, watches, or bracelets that can trap bacteria.

Paying attention to technique and following the steps fully can help reduce these errors.

Role of Infection Prevention

Hand washing plays a central role in infection prevention. In a health or social care setting, it is one of the standard precautions recommended by Public Health England (PHE). These precautions are designed to reduce the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

Key points about infection prevention include:

• Hand hygiene is the simplest and most cost-effective measure.
• Consistent hand washing reduces the transmission of pathogens, including respiratory viruses like COVID-19.
• It supports overall safety standards in care environments.

Legal and Professional Responsibilities

Following correct hand hygiene practices is not just best practice; it is a legal duty under laws like the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The Code of Practice for health and adult social care providers clearly outlines the need for proper cleaning and hygiene.

Failure to follow hand washing procedures could:

• Put service users at risk of harm.
• Lead to disciplinary action or penalties for the organisation.
• Damage the reputation of the workplace and profession.

By practising good hand hygiene, care workers demonstrate responsibility and professionalism in their roles.

Final Thoughts

Hand washing may seem simple, but doing it the right way is transforming care environments and preventing life-threatening infections. By following the correct steps, being consistent, and promoting hand hygiene within your team, you help create a safer and healthier care space for all.