Hand Washing Tips
Topic:
- General Health
Hand washing is important!
Washing your hands is the most important step for preventing the spread of germs and illness.
Start Healthy Hand Washing Habits Today!
Wash your hands as often as possible (even if they look clean)
Here are some important instances when to wash your hands to help control the spread of illness:
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing or sneezing
- After cleaning a child who has gone to the bathroom
- After touching books and money
- Before preparing food
- Before eating
- After petting an animal
Why does washing your hands with soap and water work?
- Soap suspends the dirt and skin oils that trap bacteria
- Washing motion helps pull dirt and oils free from the skin
- Running water washes away suspended dirt and oils
- Additional friction from wiping hands removes more germs
Note: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer wipes or gel.
Hand washing information
- Wet hands
- Apply soap
- Rub soapy hands for 20 seconds
- Scrub fingertips & between fingers
- Scrub forearm to just below elbow
- Rinse forearms & hands
- Use towel to dry hands & forearms
- Turn off water with towel & throw towel away
Materials
- Teen Hand Washing Poster English
- Childrens Hand Washing Poster English | Spanish | Haitian Creole
- Hand Washing Poster (English)
- Hand Washing Clings (English)
- Hand Washing Clings (Spanish)
- Hand Washing Instructions from the CDC
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Hand Washing Sign for Employees (English)
- Hand Washing Sign for Employees (Spanish)
Rules for staying healthy
In addition to always washing your hands with soap and warm water:
- Stay away from anyone with a cold or flu
- Get plenty of rest
- Visit your doctor and dentist yearly
- Get your shots as scheduled and recommended by your doctor, especially an annual flu shot
