Hand Washing

Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your friends, and family from getting sick. 



Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way!

  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. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer



Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can't Use Soap and Water

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs but if they are not available, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 

To Use Hand Sanitizer:

  1. Apply the hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand
  2. Cover all surfaces of hands
  3. Rub your hands and fingers together until they are dry. This should take about 20 seconds


To learn more about hand washing, visit CDC.gov/handwashing