How To Wash Your Hands: A Guide to Hand Wash & Hand Sanitiser

Apart from being kinder and more present, the one positive that will come out of all of this is that you will all know how to wash your hands - properly. Are you doing the full 20 seconds and singing happy birthday? Or do you have no idea what we’re talking about? Let us help you out with a little guide. And yas, we have hand sanitiser for you too!

Overview

• The lowdown on washing your hands
• Do you need hand sanitiser?
• How to wash your hands: tips and tricks

The lowdown on hand washing

So growing up, we’re all taught the importance of washing your hands but somewhere along the way, we all got a little slack. But in general, we’re sure you know the deal - wash before and after food preparation, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose coughing and sneezing, and all those usual day-to-day activities.

From a beauty perspective, it’s pretty important as well! Especially when it comes to handling skincare and makeup - think about how much we’re touching our faces! And we’re now aware more than ever, touching your eyes, nose and mouth and not washing your hands afterwards can spread germs even further. So we’d recommend washing your hands not only after your normal beauty routine but also before because you don’t want to dip those fingers into moisturisers and or apply foundation with dirty hands!

And ladies, let this also be a reminder to regularly clean your makeup brushes and sponges. They can be a breeding ground for germs!

So what is it about washing your hands that people just can’t get? We’ve figured that it’s that people are either just washing with water or not washing their hands for long enough with soap. So without further ado, please follow the steps below.

How to wash your hands:

1. Wet your hands with warm or cold water first, turn off the tap then apply hand soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the hand soap - and DON’T forget the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. That’s ‘Happy Birthday’ twice from beginning to end.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel, paper towel or air dry them.

As for what kind of soap you should be using, it doesn’t need to be expensive or even an antibacterial soap. Some good old fashioned bar soap or a pump Palmolive will do the trick.  But we’ve got to admit, some luxe soap sitting on the bathroom sink just makes us feel a little fancier. So we’ve picked out a few of our faves for you to try.

Dr Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Lavender Pure Castile Soap Soap Liquid

If you know, you know. Dr Bronner’s is the one hand soap to rule them all. A few drops of this certified organic miracle liquid where you use soap in our how to wash your hands steps above will do the trick. Then you can also then use it to wash your face, hair and body as well! You can even use it all around the house - washing the dishes, as laundry detergent, as a household cleaner spray. It’s also actually the best for cleaning makeup brushes as well. So wash your hands and clean up the rest of your life too.

ELEVEN Australia Wash Me All Over Hand & Body Wash

Designed for everyday use, ELEVEN Australia’s Wash Me All Over Hand & Body Wash is a refreshing and nourishing cleanser that keeps your skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Infused with aloe vera and chamomile, this gentle formula soothes the skin while effectively removing dirt and impurities. With a light, invigorating scent, it’s perfect for both hands and body, making it an essential addition to your bathroom or shower routine.

Hunter Lab Hand & Body Wash

Crafted with naturally derived ingredients, Hunter Lab’s Hand & Body Wash offers a rich, hydrating cleanse that leaves your skin feeling smooth and revitalized. Featuring wakame extract, peppermint leaf, and grapefruit peel oil, this nutrient-rich formula deeply nourishes while delivering a refreshing burst of fragrance. Designed for all skin types, this premium wash elevates your daily cleansing ritual with a luxurious yet effective formula.

Do I need hand sanitiser?

The short answer is yas. There’s nothing wrong with a little top up from a handy portable size hand sanitiser if you’re out and about and can’t get soap and water to wash your hands. But the real thing you need to remember is that yas, hand sanitiser can quickly reduce the number of germs on your hands in many situations but it does not get rid of all types of germs. They’re also less effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

When it comes to hand sanitiser you’ll want to look for one that contains at least 60% alcohol for it to be really effective. Luckily the three different ones we have for you all meet those standards.

Ecoya Hand Sanitiser Juniper Berry & Mint

This luxurious hand sanitiser from Ecoya combines effective germ protection with a refreshing scent. It effectively eliminates bacteria while also being infused with nourishing ingredients to keep your hands feeling soft. The invigorating blend of juniper berry and mint not only provides a crisp, uplifting fragrance but also offers natural antibacterial properties. Perfect for keeping in your bag, car, or desk, it’s a must-have for clean hands on the go.

ASAP Sanitise Me Hand Sanitizer

Designed for both effectiveness and skin health, ASAP’s Sanitise Me Hand Sanitizer is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that eliminates 99.9% of germs without leaving hands feeling dry. Infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, it hydrates and soothes the skin while it ensures thorough protection. Ideal for frequent use, this dermatologically tested formula is perfect for all skin types, making it a great addition to any hygiene routine.

How to wash your hands: tips and tricks 

• Don’t overwash - this sounds like it goes against those five steps we talked about above but it is possible. But a lot of people who have sensitive skin or are prone to eczema have reported flare ups during this time because they are overwashing. Which leads us to the next tip...
• Moisturise your hands - So after you’ve finished the five steps above, we’d recommend getting yourself a good hand cream to ensure that hands aren’t completely being stripped of all natural moisture. We love the Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Treatment but if you need something thicker, their Lanolips Intense Hand Cream 50ml is great too.
• Wait at least a minute after using hand sanitiser to apply hand creams - you don’t want to ruin its effectiveness!

Get those hands squeaky clean

Now you know all there is to know about how to wash your hands (properly), make sure you actually do it! Let us help you out with hand wash & sanitiser and don’t forget that hand cream as well to ensure your hands stay smooth as well as clean. Stay healthy!

(Crystal art images via @sarashakeel)