Infection control — handwashing that actually protects

Wash with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds — before and after client contact, after gloves, after the bathroom, and before handling food. Handwashing is the single best way to stop infection spreading.

1. 1Wet hands, apply soap, lather all surfaces — palms, backs, between fingers, under nails — for 20 seconds.
2. 2Rinse with fingers pointing down; dry with a clean towel; use the towel to turn off the faucet.
3. 3Wear gloves for contact with body fluids; remove them without touching the outside; wash hands after.
4. 4Alcohol sanitizer (60%+) works when hands aren't visibly dirty — but wash with soap after using the bathroom and whenever hands are soiled.

Also wash: after coughing/sneezing into hands, after touching soiled laundry or garbage, and between different care tasks for the same client.