Hand Washing

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and keep yourself and others healthy. Whether you're at home, work, or on the go, practicing good hand hygiene is essential for reducing the risk of illness.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Wash your hands:

• Before eating or preparing food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• After using the restroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling garbage
• After touching animals or animal waste
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

Proper Hand Washing Steps

Follow these steps to wash your hands effectively:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds (hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice for timing).
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When Soap and Water Are Not Available

If soap and clean water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

While hand sanitizers can reduce the number of microbes in many situations, they:

• Do not eliminate all types of germs.
• Are less effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer

1. Apply the recommended amount of sanitizer to the palm of one hand.
2. Rub your hands together.
3. Spread the sanitizer over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until they are dry (about 20 seconds).

Stay Clean, Stay Healthy!

Remember, hand washing with soap and water remains the gold standard for keeping your hands germ-free. Hand sanitizer is a great alternative when needed, but proper hand hygiene ensures you and your community stay healthy.

Additional Resources