Close up shot of individual washing their hands to demonstrate the in-depth hand washing steps provided by the CDC.

Holiday Handwashing Guide

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By Ozark River Manufacturing

November 28, 2023

The festive season is right around the corner. As more people gather to spend the holidays, the risk of getting sick increases. To fully enjoy the holidays, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on how to maintain good hand hygiene.

Understanding National Handwashing Awareness Week

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to limit opportunities for germs to thrive — and with holiday celebrations in full swing, it’s only befitting to set a reminder about the importance of good handwashing.

Celebrate National Handwashing Awareness Week during the first week of December. Learn the different techniques for washing hands and the best practices for proper hand hygiene. 

Hand Hygiene During Holidays: Do’s and Don’ts

Promote cleanliness and hygiene everywhere you go. Use our list below for some handwashing facts that are crucial for the holidays. 

The Do’s of Holiday Hand Hygiene

For proper hand hygiene, make sure to do the following:

  • Wet hands with water and scrub them gently with soap for 40 to 60 seconds.
  • Wash every section of your hands — the palms, in between the fingers, fingernails and the backside. 
  • Use soap of whatever form, whether it is a bar of soap or foaming soap.
  • Dry hands with a single-use hand towel.
  • Once your hands are dry, add an extra layer of protection by applying hand sanitizer or alcohol. 

The Don’ts of Holiday Hand Hygiene

Be sure to keep these handwashing don’ts in mind: 

  • Skipping the soap: Washing with water is not enough. You need soap to remove grease, dirt and microbes. 
  • Replacing soap with hand sanitizers: In times when you can’t find a sink, hand sanitizers help, but only to a certain extent. Some hand sanitizers do not have enough active ingredients to kill germs. 
  • Using cloth towels multiple times: The most effective way to dry your hands after washing is through a disposable paper towel. Cloth towels are exposed to bacteria after multiple uses, so they can put germs right back on your hands.
  • Bypassing washing hands because of gloves: Gloves are not a substitute for handwashing. It’s only an outer protection layer that can help avoid potential food contamination.

The Critical Role of Hot Water in Effective Handwashing

While washing hands with water and soap is an effective way to clean the hands, using hot water can provide an added layer of protection against germs.  

Unveiling the Connection Between Hot Water and Effective Handwashing

Boiling water is enough to kill pathogenic bacteria and other viruses. While you don’t want to put boiling water on your hands directly, hot water from the faucet allows the soap to trap the germs on your hands. When you rinse, you’re able to get your hands cleaner. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) backs up the importance of using hot water, especially with food handling. The FDA advises wetting hands with hot water and applying soap before scrubbing for 20 seconds. Washing with hot water is also recommended after using the bathroom, changing diapers or handling animals. 

Encouraging Hand Hygiene During Holiday Gatherings

Exposure to a lot of people increases the possibility of getting sick, especially if you have a weak immune system. There’s an easy way to combat holiday sickness, though, and that is through washing hands regularly and properly.

The Importance of Handwashing Stations in Holiday Event Planning

Proper hand hygiene is more than just washing hands. It encompasses the accessibility of handwashing stations. As such, any holiday event planning checklist should include the availability of sinks within the venue. To feel the festive vibe, sing a Christmas carol while washing your hands

Since holiday events often have larger numbers of people, one sink may not be enough for everyone. This is where portable sinks prove to be beneficial. In addition to providing more guests with spaces to wash their hands, portable sinks are mobile. You can move them at any time during the event to make them more accessible.

promote safety with handwashing this holiday season

Promote Safety for a Healthier Holiday Season

Celebrate the National Handwashing Awareness Week from December onward — every month, every day. Proper handwashing should be part of our daily lives, and a portable sink from Ozark River Manufacturing can make handwashing easier as people gather for the holidays. Wash hands with hot water and promote a healthier holiday season with the right equipment for your needs. 

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Ozark River Manufacturing

Ozark River Manufacturing designs and delivers top-quality, NSF-certified portable sinks. Since 2006, our inventive and bold team has ensured health compliance with quick-connect tanks and instant hot water. With over 55 models, we provide solutions for every need, backed by exceptional customer support and timely delivery. Healthy people matter, and we make a positive impact every day.

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