Germs such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites are found everywhere. They can be in the air and water, and they can be on surfaces such as food, door handles, and your skin. Every day, your hands come into contact with germs. Many of these germs can make you and your family sick. Washing your hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your risk of getting and sharing germs.

How to wash your hands properly

When to wash your hands

• Before doing the following:
  • Visiting a baby or anyone with a weakened disease-fighting system (immunesystem).
  • Putting in or taking out contact lenses.
• After doing the following:
  • Using the bathroom, helping someone else use the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
  • Working or playing outside.
  • Touching or taking out the garbage, or touching anything dirty around your home.
  • Using a mobile phone or other phone, touching money, or shaking hands.
  • Touching or handling livestock or other animals, or handling the food, waste, toys, or leash of an animal.
  • Using household cleaners or toxic chemicals, or handling soiled clothes, bedding, or rags.
  • Using public transportation or going shopping, especially if you use a shopping cart or basket.
• Before and after doing the following:
  • Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Preparing or eating food.
  • Visiting or taking care of someone who is sick. This includes touching used tissues, toys, clothes, and bedding.
  • Changing a bandage (dressing) or taking care of an injury or wound.
  • Giving or taking medicine.
  • Preparing a bottle for a baby or young child, or feeding a baby or young child.
  • Changing a diaper.

How to wash your hands with soap and water

If running water is available:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water. Turn off the water or move your hands out of the running water.
2. Apply liquid soap or bar soap to your hands.
3. Rub your hands together quickly to create lather.
4. Keep rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Thoroughly scrub all parts of the fronts and backs of your hands, including under your fingernails and between your fingers.
5. Rinse your hands with clean, running water until all the soap is gone.
6. Dry your hands using an air dryer or a clean paper or cloth towel, or let your hands air-dry. Do not use your clothing or a soiled towel to dry your hands.

If you are in a public restroom, use a paper towel to:

• Turn off the water faucet.
• Open the bathroom door.

How to clean your hands without soap and water

If soap and clean running water are not available, use an alcohol-based wipe, spray, or hand gel (hand sanitizer). The hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers are not recommended as a replacement for hand washing with soap and water when you are preparing food.

To use a hand sanitizer, follow the directions on the product bottle, tube, or wrapper, and:

• Apply enough product to cover your hands.
• Make sure you wipe, rub, or spray the product so that it reaches every part of your hands and wrists. Include the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
• Rub the product onto your hands until it dries.

Summary

• Germs such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites are found everywhere.
• Your hands come into contact with germs every day. Many of these germs can make you and your family sick.
• Washing your hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your risk of getting and sharing germs.