Avoid Viruses With This Simple 3-Step Handwashing Method (And Other Tips)

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https://youtu.be/-YrBEj1fSPU Have you ever tested how effective your #handwashing is? You still get a cold every year even though you swear that you washed your hands very well, right? We will provide a way for you to test your handwashing skills or you can use this as a way to convince your kids to wash hands well. Also this test method can help us to try different methods. Since we need to wash frequently, no one wants to spend a lot of time, thus we want to find an efficient as well as effective method. Since an average person’s working memory is only 3 or 4 items, most people prefer not to memorize a 7 step set of instructions. In this video I will show you my simple 3-step hand washing method.

Teaching correct technique to people around you is important because other people may harbor germs and increase the density of viruses around you. Even if you have mastered the 6-step handwashing recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), many people can’t do it and it is to your benefit to help them improve their techniques. It is not easy to train kids to do it properly, you need to explain the reasons and demonstrate in a way they will never forget. We will explain why you need 20 seconds to wash your hands, where to start the time and how to count the time without a timer. https://twitter.com/HygoNews/status/1242934921351401472

https://twitter.com/HygoNews/status/1242934921351401472

For the full video tutorial, visit Genius Asian.

Alternative Methods

Beyond the 3-step method shown in the video, there are several complementary hygiene approaches you can add to your routine.

1. WHO 6-Step Handwashing Technique

When to use: When you want the most thorough hand cleaning possible, such as before preparing food or after caring for someone who is sick.

Pros: Covers all hand surfaces systematically, well-researched by the World Health Organization, proven to reduce pathogen counts more than casual washing
Cons: Takes longer (40-60 seconds), harder to memorize and teach to children, easy to skip steps when rushed
Difficulty: Easy (but requires practice to remember all steps)
Estimated cost: $0

2. Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

When to use: When soap and water are not available, such as while shopping, commuting, or between tasks at work.

Pros: Portable, quick (20 seconds), effective against most viruses and bacteria when 60%+ alcohol content
Cons: Does not remove dirt or grease, less effective on visibly soiled hands, can dry skin with frequent use, not effective against all pathogens (norovirus, C. diff)
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated cost: ~$3-8 per bottle

3. UV-C Light Sanitizer Wand

When to use: Sanitizing surfaces, phones, and frequently touched items where liquid cleaners are impractical.

Pros: Chemical-free, reusable, kills bacteria and viruses on surfaces in seconds, good for electronics
Cons: Only works on surfaces (not hands), requires direct exposure at close range, some inexpensive models emit insufficient UV-C dosage
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated cost: ~$20-50

Tips for Effective Handwashing and Household Hygiene

The 3-step method simplifies handwashing, but technique details make the difference between going through the motions and actually removing pathogens.

Wet hands before applying soap. Applying soap to dry hands reduces lather and coverage. Wet hands first under clean running water, then apply soap. The water temperature does not affect germ removal — use whatever is comfortable.
Focus on the spots people miss. Studies consistently show the same neglected areas: fingertips, thumbs, the backs of hands, and between fingers. The 3-step method addresses these, but consciously pay extra attention to your dominant hand’s thumb and your fingernail edges.
Count to 20 by humming a song. The 20-second minimum is not arbitrary — that is how long the mechanical action of rubbing needs to dislodge pathogens. Hum “Happy Birthday” twice, or count “one-Mississippi” to twenty. Start counting after the soap is lathered, not when you turn on the faucet.
Dry hands completely with a clean towel. Damp hands transfer and pick up pathogens far more easily than dry hands. Use a clean towel or paper towel. Avoid shared cloth towels in bathrooms — they accumulate bacteria rapidly. If using a communal restroom, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
Teach children with the “glitter test.” Rub a small amount of fine craft glitter on your child’s hands as a stand-in for germs. Have them wash using their normal method, then check for remaining glitter under a lamp. The visual result is unforgettable and motivates better technique.
Wash hands at the right times. The highest-impact moments are: before eating or touching your face, after using the bathroom, after returning home from public spaces, after handling garbage, and after touching shared surfaces like doorknobs or elevator buttons.
Keep nails short and clean. The area under fingernails harbors more bacteria than any other part of the hand. Shorter nails are easier to clean and less likely to tear gloves.

Tools and Materials

Item	Purpose	Notes
Liquid soap (any brand)	Primary cleaning agent	Bar soap works but can harbor surface bacteria in shared settings
Clean towels or paper towels	Drying hands thoroughly	Replace cloth towels daily in high-use bathrooms
Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)	Backup when no sink available	Keep a travel-size bottle in your car and bag
Fine craft glitter	Teaching tool for children	Simulates germs to show handwashing effectiveness
Moisturizing lotion	Prevent dry, cracked skin	Apply after washing; cracked skin harbors more bacteria
Nail brush	Clean under fingernails	Use weekly or after gardening, automotive work, etc.

When to Call a Professional

Handwashing is entirely a personal practice, but some related situations benefit from professional expertise.

Persistent skin cracking or dermatitis from frequent washing. If your hands develop painful cracks, bleeding, or rashes from frequent handwashing, see a dermatologist. They can recommend barrier creams or gentler soap formulations that maintain hygiene without destroying your skin.
Installing a touchless faucet. A motion-activated faucet eliminates the need to touch handles with dirty hands. If your bathroom plumbing does not support a simple battery-operated retrofit, a plumber can help with the installation.
Workplace or commercial hygiene stations. If you are setting up handwashing stations for a business, daycare, or event, local health codes dictate sink placement, water temperature, and soap type. A plumber familiar with commercial codes should handle the installation.

For DIY protective equipment to complement good hygiene, see our guides on making a DIY face shield and improving cheaper face masks. For general household safety, our home repair emergency guide covers situations where quick action prevents bigger problems. More hygiene tips are available on Genius Asian.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow guidance from public health authorities such as the CDC and WHO for the most current hygiene recommendations.