[Flaming Conservative]

Antibacterial soap is over-used, and kills off too many of the good bacteria on your skin. Regular soap and water, along with vigorous washing of the hands for at least 10 seconds, is very effective against pathogens. Other than that, the most important step is to shut off the water with a paper towel. If you use public facilities, and you turn off the water with your hand, you just re-contaminated your hand with whatever is on that faucet handle, including every germ on the hands of the last bunch of people who turned it on, with dirty hands.
Also, use lotion several times daily, because frequent hand washing can make your hands dry and cracked, which will give germs more surface area to contaminate.

[Bigg Red]

My elbow is very handy for turning off the faucet, or I turn it off with a paper towel protecting my hand. My mother taught me these things when I was a little child. What is wrong with people these days?

[hawkaw]

I agree with everything you said and great post. Interestingly, where I live, the health officials are now suggesting at least 20 seconds of hand washing with soap.

[PIF]

Other than that, the most important step is to shut off the water with a paper towel.

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Actually the most important step, after the hand washing, is opening the stall and bathroom doors using a towel or your sleave, if nothing else (then washing the item at home).