Hand washing is important to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Common microbes like E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus can be found and spread without proper hand washing. Proper hand washing involves wetting hands with warm water, lathering with soap and scrubbing for 15 seconds, rinsing, and drying hands completely. Hands should be washed before eating, after using the bathroom, and when caring for sick people to limit the transfer of bacteria and viruses. Barriers like obstructed sinks can make proper hand washing difficult in healthcare settings.