Follow the Ayliffe Technique for Thorough Hand Hygiene

Wash your hands - Stop the Spread of Infections

Follow the Ayliffe Technique for Thorough Hand Hygiene

Proper hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections – from colds and flu to foodborne illnesses and viruses like COVID-19. Following a structured handwashing routine protects you and those around you.

Why the Ayliffe Technique Works

Recommended by health authorities including the NHS, the Ayliffe method ensures every part of your hands is cleaned, including often-missed areas like thumbs, fingertips, and the backs of fingers. Using soap, thorough rubbing, and sufficient time maximizes removal of dirt, bacteria, and viruses.

• Remove rings, bracelets, or hand jewelry.
• Wet hands thoroughly under running water to help the soap lather evenly.

1. Palms together: Rub in a circular motion.
2. Backs of hands: Rub the back of each hand against the opposite palm.
3. Between fingers: Interlace fingers and rub thoroughly.
4. Fingertips: Rub fingertips in the palm of the opposite hand.
5. Thumbs: Rotate each thumb in the opposite palm.
6. Wrists: Rub each wrist with the opposite palm.
7. Backs of fingers: Rub backs of fingers against the opposite palm.
8. Rinse & dry: Rinse under running water and dry completely.

Tip: Wash for at least 20 seconds – roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

Maintaining good hand hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of germs and protecting your health. It is particularly important to wash your hands after using the toilet, changing nappies, handling raw food, or before eating. Hands should also be cleaned after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, as well as before and after treating cuts or wounds. Contact with animals or cleaning their cages is another common source of bacteria, making handwashing an important daily habit.

·       Use enough soap to cover all surfaces

·       Don’t forget thumbs, fingertips, backs of fingers, and wrists

·       Dry hands thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth

·       Maintain soap and handwashing stations regularly

Quick Alternative: When soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitiser is effective. But soap and water remain the gold standard.

Following the Ayliffe technique not only protects you but also safeguards colleagues, clients, and the wider community. Making it a standard in offices, schools, healthcare, and industrial settings reduces infection risks.

Proper handwashing removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses to prevent spreading illnesses like food poisoning, flu, or diarrhoea. It is particularly important when visiting hospitals or other healthcare settings.