Your hands are like magnets for germs—grabbing, touching, and picking up bacteria from everything you come into contact with. From your phone to door handles, shopping trolleys to café tables, those invisible nasties hitch a ride without you even realising it. 

And here’s the kicker: with one absent-minded touch to your face, you could be transferring those germs straight into your system. But the good news? Keeping your hands clean is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to stay healthy and stop the spread of illness. 

Hand hygiene isn’t just about a quick rinse under the tap. It’s about knowing when, how, and what to use to keep your hands truly clean and protected. Let’s break it down so you can stay one step ahead of germs every day. 

How Hands Spread Germs

Our hands are constantly in motion, touching different surfaces throughout the day. The moment you touch a contaminated surface and then rub your eyes, scratch your nose, or eat food, you give germs a direct path into your body. Germs can also transfer onto commonly touched objects like shopping trolleys, keyboards, and shared tools, making regular hand hygiene an essential part of daily life. 

Germs spread easily in high-contact areas, such as workplaces, schools, and public transport. While some germs are harmless, others can cause illnesses like colds, flu, and gastroenteritis. This is why washing or sanitising your hands regularly is crucial in breaking the chain of infection. 

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Knowing when to wash your hands is just as important as knowing how. According to the CDC, here are specific moments throughout the day when handwashing is essential, including:

• Before and after preparing food to prevent contamination.
• After using the toilet to remove bacteria and viruses.
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose to stop the spread of germs.
• Before and after caring for someone who is unwell to protect both yourself and them.
• After handling rubbish, money, or shared items to remove potential contaminants.
• After touching pets or cleaning up after them to get rid of dirt and bacteria.
• When arriving home from public places to wash away germs you may have picked up.

The Right Way to Wash Your Hands

It’s not just about rinsing your hands quickly—washing them the right way makes all the difference. Here’s how to do it effectively: 

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). 
• Apply soap and lather well, making sure to cover all areas. 
• Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, ensuring you clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. 
• Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove all soap and debris. 
• Dry your hands completely using a clean towel or an air dryer. 

For a gentle yet effective antibacterial hand wash, try 3M Avagard Antiseptic Hand & Body Wash 500ml. It cleanses while keeping your skin soft and hydrated. 

Handwashing vs Hand Sanitiser 

Handwashing with soap and water is always the best option when available, as it physically removes dirt and germs from your skin. However, when you’re on the go, using a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol can help keep your hands clean and free from harmful bacteria and viruses. 

When to Use Hand Sanitiser 

While washing your hands is ideal, a hand sanitiser is a great alternative when soap and water aren’t available. Choose a high-quality sanitiser for maximum effectiveness, such as: 

• Siqura eXtreme Hand Sanitiser - 375ml for long-lasting antimicrobial protection. 
• Reynard Antibacterial Hand Gel 500ml for fast-drying, broad-spectrum germ protection. 
• 3M Avagard Antiseptic Handrub 125ml for easy, on-the-go hygiene. 

Keeping Your Hands Healthy

While frequent handwashing and sanitising are crucial, they can sometimes cause dryness or irritation. Keeping your skin healthy is just as important as keeping your hands clean. Here’s how you can care for your hands while maintaining proper hygiene: 

• Use a gentle, moisturising hand wash to prevent excessive dryness. 
• Apply a nourishing hand cream regularly to keep your skin soft and hydrated. 
• Wear protective gloves when cleaning or using harsh chemicals to avoid irritation. 
• Choose alcohol-based sanitisers that include moisturising ingredients to reduce skin dryness. 

A great option to keep your hands clean without stripping away moisture is 3M Avagard Antiseptic Hand & Body Wash, which provides both cleansing and hydration in one step. 

Choosing the Best Hand Hygiene Products

Having the right hand hygiene products makes maintaining clean hands effortless. At Platinum Health Supply, we offer a range of trusted and effective products to keep you and your family protected. 

Here are some recommended products to add to your daily routine: 

• Aqium 1-Litre Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser Pump – Perfect for home or office use. 
• Siqura eXtreme Hand Sanitiser - 375ml – Provides long-lasting germ protection. 
• Reynard Antibacterial Hand Gel 500ml – Quick-drying and highly effective. 
• 3M Avagard Antiseptic Hand & Body Wash 500ml – A gentle yet powerful wash for hand and body hygiene. 

Stay Protected with Platinum Health Supply

Hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to safeguard your health. By adopting proper handwashing techniques and using high-quality hygiene products, you can minimise the spread of germs and stay protected every day. 

Explore the full range of hand hygiene essentials from Platinum Health Supply today. Shop now and prioritise your health!

Updated as of: 26 February 2025