Tips For Celebrating Global Handwashing Day

An annual tradition since 2008, Global Handwashing Day only continues to grow in importance as we continue to learn about pathogen transmission and combat the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Mindful of its impact, SC Johnson offered up a series of tips to help workers improve their handwashing effectiveness.

Three simple tips to promote and enhance handwashing in the workplace include:

1. Wash and dry correctly — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Drying hands after every wash with a clean towel or disposable paper towel is important to avoid germs latching onto wet hands. After drying, use a disposable paper towel to grab the restroom door handle to avoid transmitting germs onto clean hands.

2. Choose products wisely – Select a soap with a mild preservative to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Look for products that have been dermatologist tested to verify they have low allergenic potential and are designed for people with sensitive skin. Hand soaps with skin moisturizer can help prevent dry skin and leave skin feeling smooth after each use.

3. Don’t forget to moisturize – In addition to using a hand wash containing skin conditioners that are designed to moisturize while cleansing, apply moisturizer after frequent handwashing. Choose lotions with enriched skin conditioning formulas that contain emollients, conditioners and moisturizers to help the skin retain moisture and flexibility, protect against cracking and improve the feel of skin.

For additional handwashing tips as it pertains to healthcare facilities, click here.