Wash Your Hands the Right Way
- Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap, either in bar or liquid form.
- Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Do this away from running water, so the lather isn’t washed away.
- Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Alcohol based hand sanitizers or gels or antibacterial wipes are useful alternatives if soap and water are not available (for example, when traveling in the car or taxi on the way to a business meeting, before eating an in-flight meal or snack, outdoor work settings, etc.)
Click here to download and print handwashing bookmarks, posters and more to help you share these handwashing steps with your students, family, community or co-workers.
Overview Germs and Disease Antibacterial Personal Cleansing Products Benefits of Handwashing Testing Antibacterials
Hows of Handwashing FAQs of Antibacterial Soaps Antibacterial Home Cleaning Products
Benefits of Disinfecting Household Surfaces FAQs about Disinfecting Household Surfaces