We are already cautioned about all the hygiene tips that one needs to follow due to the coronavirus outbreak. If you touch something likely to be exposed to it, you instantly need to wash your hands to halt the virus from spreading further. When you do so for a good 20 seconds, the virus can be banished, but in turn, your hands will become dry since you are doing it so frequently. Even though everyone is calling it the best method to prevent the spread of the virus further, many people are still not aware of the right way to do it. 

If you are wondering what are the dos and don'ts of washing your hands so frequently, here's what you need to know: 

1. Wash Your Hands Under Clean Running Water

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Before you start scrubbing your hands with soap, use lukewarm water to wash your hands. Then, take the soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Scrub your hands together as it helps loosen and get rid of dirt and germs. 

2. Wash Your Fingertips

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Fingertips are often skipped but you need to know that they are a safe haven for the germs to settle. So while you scrub your hands, wash your fingertips thoroughly.

3. Wash Your Hands When You Blow Your Nose And Before Eating 

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You might think that you didn't catch anything on your hands, but you still need to wash them. Be it before or after you eat your meals or if you sneeze or cough, there's no excuse, whatsoever. Cleaning your hands is crucial and it needs to be done, either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser.

4. Drying Your Hands

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Moist hands can give living organisms a space to survive and spread. Hence drying your hands immediately after you are done, is very important. Experts suggest that one should use a paper towel, dry towel or automatic blowers to dry hands. 

5. Use A Hand Sanitiser

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A hand sanitiser is a quick solution to everything and a great alternative to soap and water. Once you apply it, it helps control the spread of the virus. Sanitiser can make your hands feel wet but just for 10 seconds. You should ideally hand wash on most occasions but when you are unable to, a hand sanitiser filled with powerful ingredients can be really helpful. 

1. Don't Use Hot Water 

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Hot water is the major cause of hands turning dry and dehydrated. Hence it is recommended that you either wash your hands with cold or lukewarm water. 

2. Don't Let The Water Keep Running

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While you are scrubbing for those good 20 seconds, there's no need to keep the tap running. When you wash your hands, for example, 20 times a day, you save at least 1 litre of water, if you don't keep the water running. Hence, save it while you can.

3. Don't Touch Anything Else

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Once you are done washing your hands, don't touch your skin, any surface or washbasin. These areas could also be infected with the virus and you do not want to come in touch with them. Be cautious while doing so. 

4. Don't Touch Your Face

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We know that the respiratory virus is spreading from one person to the other and that is mainly through spread of droplets because of sneezing or coughing. If that happens, the next step is to immediately wash your hands and not touch your face to control the spread of the virus.

5. Donât Scrub Too Hard

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While you are washing your hands in those 20 seconds, it is important to scrub it gently. When you do it too frequently, it can lead to dryness and your hands are more susceptible to cracking. This is the perfect stop for the germs to settle down. To avoid any sort of dryness, use a hand moisturiser to keep your hands hydrated.

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