käsienpesulla

Käsienpesulla, meaning handwashing in Finnish, is a fundamental practice for maintaining personal hygiene and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It involves thoroughly cleaning the hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

The process of effective handwashing typically includes wetting the hands, applying enough soap to cover all surfaces, and then vigorously rubbing the hands together for at least 20 seconds. This scrubbing action should encompass the palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the fingernails. Rinsing the hands with clean running water and drying them thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer completes the process.

Handwashing is crucial at various times, such as after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching surfaces that may be contaminated. Regular and proper handwashing significantly reduces the transmission of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, contributing to individual and public health. In situations where traditional washing facilities are inaccessible, alcohol-based hand sanitizers offer an alternative method for killing germs.