Making Mealtime Meaningful: Discover how we're giving back with the 12T Cares program →

If nothing else, we are all learning far more about the importance of handwashing than we ever knew before. Proper handwashing techniques are being discussed more often than we can ever remember. Even celebrities are getting in on the act, singing us all types of hilarious songs as they wash. It seems like we find a new 30-second meme on this subject every time we check social media.

These memes provide a much-needed moment of levity during these trying times. Alton Brown of Good Eats is no different. His lesson may be somewhat curt but it is very appropriate. He posted the clip on his YouTube channel, in hopes of spreading the word. The chef loves science and it is only right for him to be standing in front of the chalkboard as well.

He is quick to explain why soap is actually more important when we are fighting disease than a hand sanitizer. Tell that to all of the people who were buying up every last bit of the latter at our local grocery stores. The facts that he provides are very illuminating, and this is a clip that everyone needs to see. The video offers you the chance to soak up key information in a very lighthearted manner.

Coronavirus has a coat that keeps it protected and soap is actually responsible for pulling that coat off which makes the virus feel more afraid. Once the science lesson is complete, Alton heads to the sink to offer up a much-needed handwashing tutorial. We did not realize how many people were in need of a primer on proper handwashing techniques until now.

As Alton is sure to mention, it is very important that we wash our hands for a period of at least 30 seconds. As soon as Alton’s hands are already damp, they are lathered for a period of at least five seconds. The video breaks down the process into a series of 6 five-second counts. Alton could not resist ending the video in a manner that is true to form…if you know Alton.

Photo: YouTube/Alton Brown

He pretended that he was slicing his hands off and tossing them into the dishwasher. That’s one way to make sure that they are clean. Videos like these are very important, as they provide the lessons that people need (without being heavy-handed). Be sure to share Alton Brown’s awesome clip with all of your friends and loved ones.

UPDATE: The video has been taken down and was re-uploaded without the cleaver.