Keeping our hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to keep from getting sick and from spreading germs to others.
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It is best to wash hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.
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If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands.
Alcohol-based handrubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.
When should I clean my hands?
- Before preparing or eating food
- After going to the bathroom
- After changing diapers or cleaning a child who has gone to the bathroom
- Before and after tending to someone who is sick
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling an animal or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
Washing hands with soap and water:
- Wet your hands with clean running water and and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
- Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
- Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a friend!
- Rinse hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
- If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.
- Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands.
Cleaning hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers:
- When hands are visibly dirty, they should be washed with soap and clean running water when available.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands.
- Alcohol-based handrubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.
- When using an alcohol-based handrub, apply product to the palm of one hand and rub hands together. Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.