Wash, Wash, Wash Your Hands

— Written By and last updated by Nicole Vernon
en Español / em Português
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Hand washing is the single most important thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces. You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often.

Clean your hands:

  • When preparing food
  • Before snacks and meals
  • After using the restroom
  • After touching animals
  • When you or someone around you is ill
  • When hands are dirty

Follow these steps to wash your hands the right way:

  1. Wet your hands with clean warm water and apply soap.
  2. Lather hands by rubbing them together with soap, lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or  air dry them.
Photo of someone washing their hands.

It is important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

Use hand sanitizer when you can’t use soap and water. Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.

If your child is reluctant about hand washing, try these tips:

  • Use colorful soaps made especially for kids. Some soaps also come in interesting shapes or have fun scents for kids to make hand washing fun.
  • Have your kids sing a favorite song while lathering up. By the time the tune is done, those germs should be washed away!

Keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of germs!