WHO: How to Handwash with Soap and Water

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established the global standard for proper handwashing technique. This video demonstrates their recommended method, which takes approximately 40 to 60 seconds and covers all surfaces of the hands thoroughly.

The WHO Handwashing Steps

1. Wet hands with water
2. Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces
3. Rub hands palm to palm
4. Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa
5. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced
6. Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked
7. Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa
8. Rotational rubbing backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa
9. Rinse hands with water
10. Dry thoroughly with a single-use towel
11. Use the towel to turn off the faucet

Pair This with GloGerm

Show the WHO video first, then have participants wash using the technique. Before washing, apply GloGerm Gel to their hands. After they follow the WHO steps, check under a UV light to see if they covered every area. It is a powerful combination of instruction and verification.

Download our free Trainer's Manual for a complete lesson plan that incorporates this WHO method with GloGerm demonstrations.