Hand washing is the process of cleaning hands with soap and water to remove dirt, germs, and other contaminants. It is an essential practice for maintaining personal hygiene and preventing the spread of illnesses. Proper hand washing involves scrubbing all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, for at least 20 seconds. Regular hand washing is especially important in settings like hospitals, schools, and restaurants, where the risk of infection is higher. Using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be an alternative when soap and water are not available, but it is not as effective when hands are visibly dirty.