The correct technique:

1. Wet your hands.
2. Get soap on them.
3. Scrub.  Scrub.  Scrub for 20 seconds.  This is the key part right here- scrubbing is what removes the germs.
   1. fronts
   2. backs
   3. nails
   4. in between the fingers
4. Rinse.
5. Dry with a clean towel (not on your clothes!).

I tell the students that if they aren't washing their hands at least 10 times per day, they aren't washing them enough.

1. before each meal = 3 meals plus 1 snack
2. after every time you use the bathroom = at least 4 times per day
3. when you wake up and before you go to bed

This equals 10 times > plus add in more for coughing, sneezing, nose blowing and basic soiling of hands.

Soap and water are the best choice for cleaning your hands but  sanitizer is great if soap and water are not handy.  Remember, the major virus that causes vomiting- the Norovirus- is NOT killed by hand sanitizer.  Soap and water are the only defense against it.  Sanitizer is effective against the cold and flu virus.