The Best Hand Hygiene Practices for Janitorial Staff

Introduction

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is one of the most important practices in the janitorial profession. Janitorial staff work in environments where they often come into contact with germs, dirt, and chemicals. Whether they are cleaning schools, hospitals, offices, or public spaces, janitors play a key role in keeping places clean and safe for others. But to protect themselves and others from illness, following the best hand hygiene practices is essential.

In this blog, we will go over everything janitorial staff need to know about hand hygiene — when to clean hands, how to do it correctly, and what products to use. Let’s dive into the details.

Why Hand Hygiene Matters in Janitorial Work

Janitorial workers are exposed to a wide variety of germs every day. These germs can include bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can make people sick. Some of the most common infections spread through dirty hands include:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Norovirus
• COVID-19
• Stomach bugs
• Skin infections

If janitors do not clean their hands properly, they can unknowingly spread germs from one surface to another — or worse, from one person to another. This is especially dangerous in places like hospitals, nursing homes, or schools, where people may have weaker immune systems.

Good hand hygiene not only protects janitorial staff from getting sick but also helps them protect others. It is a simple yet powerful step in preventing the spread of disease.

When Should Janitorial Staff Clean Their Hands?

Hand hygiene should be done at key moments during the workday. Here are the most important times for janitors to clean their hands:

• Before and after using the restroom
• Before starting cleaning tasks
• After handling trash or waste
• After touching dirty surfaces or equipment
• After removing gloves
• Before eating or drinking
• After coughing, sneezing, or touching your face
• Before and after cleaning high-touch surfaces (like door handles, light switches, elevator buttons)

It’s also a good idea to clean your hands anytime they feel dirty or sticky, even if none of the above situations apply.

How to Wash Hands Properly

There is a correct way to wash your hands to make sure all germs are removed. Here are the steps janitorial staff should follow:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
• Apply soap and lather well by rubbing your hands together.
• Scrub all parts of your hands, including the backs, between your fingers, and under your nails. Do this for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.

Tip: A good trick to make sure you’re washing long enough is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice while scrubbing.

What if Water and Soap Are Not Available?

Sometimes, especially during certain janitorial tasks or when working outdoors, soap and water may not be available. In such cases, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good backup.

Here’s how to use hand sanitizer correctly:

• Use a product with at least 60% alcohol.
• Apply a generous amount to the palm of one hand.
• Rub your hands together and cover all parts of your hands and fingers.
• Keep rubbing until your hands feel dry (about 20 seconds).
• Do not wipe off the sanitizer before it dries — it needs time to work.

Note: Hand sanitizers are not effective if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. In those situations, you need to find a place to wash with soap and water.

Importance of Wearing and Removing Gloves Properly

Many janitorial workers wear gloves to protect their hands. While gloves are useful, they are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Germs can still get onto your hands when you remove gloves, or if gloves have small tears.

Best practices for glove use:

• Always wash hands before and after wearing gloves.
• Never reuse disposable gloves.
• Change gloves between different tasks or areas (e.g., from bathroom cleaning to kitchen cleaning).
• Remove gloves safely to avoid touching the outer surface. Use the inside of one glove to remove the second glove.

Keeping Skin Healthy

Frequent handwashing can dry out your skin, which may cause irritation or cracking. This can actually make it easier for germs to enter the body. Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy:

• Use mild soaps that are gentle on your skin.
• Dry hands completely after washing to prevent chapping.
• Use a moisturizer after washing hands or at the end of your shift.
• Avoid very hot water, which can damage your skin.

If your hands are getting very dry or developing rashes, speak to your supervisor. They may be able to provide different products or suggest solutions.

Choosing the Right Products

For janitorial teams, the choice of soap and sanitizer matters. Look for:

• Antibacterial soaps approved by health agencies (but regular soap also works well).
• Hand sanitizers with 60–95% alcohol content.
• Fragrance-free options if you or your team members have sensitive skin.
• Touch-free dispensers to reduce contact with surfaces.

Some companies also provide portable handwashing stations for janitorial crews working in large buildings or outdoor spaces.

Creating a Hand Hygiene Culture in Janitorial Teams

Hand hygiene works best when everyone on the team is involved. Here’s how janitorial supervisors and staff can build strong habits:

• Post reminders in janitor closets and restrooms.
• Provide proper supplies (soap, sanitizer, gloves, towels).
• Train all staff on correct hand hygiene techniques.
• Encourage breaks for washing hands regularly.
• Lead by example. Supervisors should follow hygiene rules as well.

A healthy janitorial team is more productive, more confident, and more respected for the work they do.

Final Thoughts

Good hand hygiene is one of the easiest and most effective ways janitorial staff can stay safe on the job. By washing hands properly and at the right times, using gloves correctly, and caring for their skin, janitors can protect themselves and everyone around them.

Clean hands are powerful hands — and in the janitorial world, they are part of every successful day on the job.

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