Hand washing (or handwashing), also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning one's hands to remove soil, grease, microorganisms, or other unwanted substances. Hand washing with soap – often, and throughout the day – prevents the spread of many diseases, for example diarrhoea and cholera which are transmitted through fecal–oral route. People can also become infected with respiratory diseases, such as influenza or the common cold, if they do not wash their hands before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth