Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Did you know that you can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related and 1 in 5 respiratory-related illnesses, just by washing your hands? It’s true! Good hand hygiene starts with washing your hands properly.
Follow these five steps to clean hands.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water. Warm or cold is fine.
- Apply soap and lather by rubbing your hands together. Remember to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds. You can hum the Happy Birthday song from beginning to end twice if you need a timer.
- Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Yes, it’s that easy!
But, wait! What if soap and water aren’t available? You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as well, but make sure it’s at least 60% alcohol. Need more information? Visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
Aah! Fresh clean hands!