According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a million lives could actually be saved if everyone in the world washed their hands. There would also be a 50% reduction in diarrheal disease and a 16% reduction in respiratory illness.

But the scary truth of it is that only 68% of women and 38% of men actually wash their hands regularly, and those who do wash may not even be washing effectively.

(Infographic: Data from World Health Organisation)

So how can you ensure that you are keeping your hands as clean as possible? Here are 6 tips to help you prevent the spread of germs in everyday life.

1. Wash Your Hands Before Every Meal

Washing your hands before you eat is a must, as bacteria passing from hands to food is very common. It’s important to practice this daily and encourage the rest of the family to do the same. The same applies for anything preparing food or doing things in the kitchen - clean hands can prevent food poisoning!  

2. Always Wash After Using Your Hands

For activities that require the use of your hands (such as exercising, cleaning and tidying, shopping or even just going out for coffee), regular washing is essential. The more surfaces you touch, the more germs you will pick up. Reduce the risk of contamination by keeping your hands squeaky clean.

3. Learn to Wash Your Hands Effectively

First wet your hands then use soap to lather, and make sure you rub and clean with the suds for at least 20 minutes. You need to make sure you get your palm, in between the fingers and the backs of your hands. Lastly, rinse the soap off properly and do not leave any sticky residue.

4. Don’t Touch Your Face

On average, you touch your face between 2,000 and 3,000 times a day. That means that every door handle you’ve touched, every item you’ve picked up, every hand you held or shaken has been in direct contact with your face.

5. Be Extra Diligent With Children

It’s important to maintain the highest levels of hygiene when you are around babies or children, and you should encourage your little ones to wash their hands regularly and teach them the importance of cleanliness.

6. Use Hand Sanitiser When Travelling

If you are travelling, backpacking or camping, hand sanitiser can be a lifesaver. Especially when you can’t access a bathroom. But just beware that sanitising gels and liquids are made with alcohol and a lot of chemicals, so they may not be suitable for children.

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