Almost all of us wash our hands the same way we tie our shoelaces: on autopilot. A quick splash, a bit of rubbing, rinse, and voila, done! But proper hygiene starts with mastering the right handwash steps, and it’s surprisingly easy to get them wrong. 

An average human being washes their hands a lot, before meals, after using the restroom, post-travel, post-sports, and sometimes simply because touching certain things feels questionable. Whether you grab whatever soap is closest or you actually follow a proper handwash step by step method, the way you wash your hands matters far more than you realise. But doing it right? That’s a different story. Knowing the proper handwash steps isn’t just a hygiene formality; it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from germs, illnesses, and everyday grime.

Why Proper Handwashing Isn’t Optional

We touch our faces, our phones, our food, random surfaces, and sometimes things we don’t even want to talk about. And good hygiene doesn’t start with buying a fancy product, it starts with how you use it. And that’s where the right steps matter. 

The Handwash Steps Most People Skip

You might have washed your hands your whole life, but have you ever checked once if you’re doing it correctly? Here’s the truth: most people nail only about 40% of the recommended method. That’s why germs still stick around like stubborn guests who don’t take the hint.

Step 1: Get Your Hands Wet (Simple but Crucial)

Start by wetting your hands with clean, running water. Warm or cold, both work, this isn’t a cooking recipe where temperatures matter. The goal is to help the soap spread evenly and work its magic.

Step 2: Add Enough to Actually Clean

Use a few pumps of handwash, not a single sad drop that barely covers your palms. A good handwash step by step routine begins with enough product to cover every corner. You can also explore gentler options like a Mahogany & Teakwood Natural Moisturising Handwash from Beco for a skin-friendly cleanse.

Step 3: Palm to Palm, Then Get the Hidden Spots

Rub your palms together. Then interlace your fingers and scrub between them. Most germs hide here because we rarely give this area more than half a second of attention.

Step 4: Don’t Ignore Thumbs and Fingertips

Thumbs are the introverts of your hands, they stay out of the action unless you focus on them. And fingertips? That’s where most germs live because they touch everything. Give them a proper rub.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Let clean running water wash away the lather, and everything it trapped. No need to stick around forever; just make sure nothing stays behind.

Step 6: Dry Your Hands Completely

Wet hands transfer germs faster than dry ones. Use a clean towel or a tissue. If you prefer eco-friendly options, explore Beco’s bamboo tissues collection here.

The Science Behind Why These Steps Work

Handwashing isn’t magic, it’s chemistry plus friction. Soap molecules grab dirt, oil, and germs like tiny magnets. But they only work if you actually rub long enough. Rinsing too early is like leaving a movie at the interval, you only get half the plot.

Soap and Water, Germs Don’t Stand a Chance

Soap breaks down the outer layers of microbes, including many viruses. Rubbing helps detach them from your skin. This is why every small movement in the handwash steps checklist matters.

Why 20 Seconds Isn’t Random

It’s the time needed for soap molecules to fully break down germs. Less than that is just a polite attempt, they won’t leave.

The Most Common Handwashing Mistakes

Even with the best intentions, these mistakes sneak into your routine. Let’s fix them today.

Using Too Little Soap

One pump doesn’t cover an adult hand properly. Don’t be stingy, soap is cheaper than getting sick.

Washing for Less Than 10 Seconds

A quick rinse is great…if your goal is to remove absolutely nothing.

Not Drying Hands Fully

Skipping the last step means germs hop right back onto wet skin.

Ignoring Wrists, Nails & Thumbs

These three areas get the least love. But germs love them plenty.

The Right Products Make the Right Steps Easier

The truth is, good handwashing depends on two things: technique and product. If your handwash leaves your skin dry, rough, or sticky, you’ll avoid washing your hands as often as you should. That’s why choosing gentle, natural formulas matters. Check out our Natural Moringa Moisturising Handwash for a refreshing, nourishing clean.

Turning Handwashing Into a Habit You Don’t Have to Think About

We wash our hands more times than we track; before eating, after touching your phone, after coming home, or simply because you walked past the sink and wanted to feel a little fresher. Making this routine mindful helps protect you, and everyone else around you.

Leave Soap Where You’ll Use It

Kitchen, bathroom, near the dining area, convenience creates consistency.

Choose a Scent You Actually Enjoy

A pleasant fragrance encourages more frequent washing. Simple psychology that works every time.

Refill Instead of Replace

Refill packs reduce plastic waste and save money. Many of our handwashes offer efficient refills that make sustainability easy.

Handwash Step by Step: The Complete Routine in One Simple Checklist

Sometimes, all you need is a clean, straightforward summary:

1. Wet hands with water

2. Take enough handwash to create a full lather

3. Rub palms together

4. Clean between fingers

5. Scrub fingertips and thumbs

6. Clean backs of hands

7. Rinse well under running water

8. Dry hands completely

Stick to this, and you’ll drastically cut down the number of germs you carry through your day.

Clean Hands Are an Everyday Superpower

Good hygiene isn’t complicated, the right handwash steps simply make it effortless. Whether you’re cooking, commuting, working, or just moving through your day, washing your hands properly protects you and everyone around you. With the right products, a little consistency, and a simple handwash step by step routine, cleanliness becomes second nature, something you do automatically, confidently, and without thinking twice.

If you want to make this habit gentler on your skin and the planet, browse through our natural, eco-friendly handwash range and switch to products that care for both you and your home. Explore the full range of sustainable home essentials from Beco today!