How handwashing with soap helps reduce the spread of germs

How does soap kill germs

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When you wash your hands with soap and water, you surround any microorganisms on your skin with soap molecules.

The fat-loving parts of the soap molecules attach themselves into the fat membranes of viruses while the water-loving parts repel. The resulting push and pull forces tear apart and kill the microorganisms. 

How long you should wash your hands

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Scrubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds will allow you to touch all parts of your hands and create friction. 

How the little bubbles removes dirt

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The little bubbles known as micelles form around particles of dirt and latch onto fragments of bacteria, trapping them in a bubble. 

Once you rinse your hands, all the trapped and damaged microbes wash away with the water.

The proper way to wash your hands

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Work up a good lather, scrub palms plus the back of your hands, and interlace your fingers.