Handwashing is often very poorly done. There are many reasons for this : lack of awareness, lack of time, poor access to soap, etc. This can have serious consequences, especially when winter viruses are circulating, or even today in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A figure on hand washing

The French can do better. Indeed, according to an IFOP survey, about 25% of the population still does not wash their hands after using the toilet. There has been some improvement compared to what could be observed before the health crisis, but it is still not enough ; France is among the worst performers in Europe !

Times to remember to wash your hands

The A.I.S.E. (International Association of Soap, Detergent and Maintenance Products) has estimated that there are 9 important moments that should not be neglected to avoid any potentially serious contamination. Let's summarize.

Using liquid soap (preferably), wash your hands for 30 seconds :

  • Before caring for a baby, preparing, serving or eating meals;
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, visiting a sick person, caring for a baby, taking public transportation and using the toilet


So many moments that are conducive to the spread of germs that we experience on a daily basis (and that we don't necessarily think about). So how do you wash your hands properly ?

How to wash your hands properly ?

To wash your hands properly, you scrub :

  1. Nails ;
  2. Fingertips ;
  3. Palm and back of the hands ;
  4. The knuckles and wrists

And don't forget to use a clean paper or towel to dry them. A hydro-alcoholic solution is used on healthy hands and is NOT a substitute for regular hand washing !