You want to fight germs simply and effectively. Hand washing is a common sense way to remove dirt and germs from the hands. In fact, hand washing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection. It is also important to realize that the best cleansing agent is plain old soap.
What is Hand Washing?
Hand washing is a vigorous, brief rubbing together of all surfaces of lathered hands for about 10-15 seconds, followed by rinsing under a stream of water. It is a process for the removal of soil and transient microorganisms from the hands. It is important to dry hands completely, otherwise, leaving soap residue on the skin and incomplete drying can contribute to dermatitis.
When to Wash Hands

Obviously, common sense tells us to wash our hands when they are visibly soiled, but we should also wash our hands:

• After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of the arms.
• After using the restroom.
• After caring for or handling pets especially reptiles and exotic animals.
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• After using tobacco, eating or drinking.
• After handling soiled equipment or utensils or garbage.
• After handling uncooked foods, particularly raw meat, poultry or fish.
• Before and after treating a cut or wound, or someone who is sick.

• After engaging in any activity that contaminates the hands.