Getting Clean Hands by Washing-It-Right
Germs can spread easily from person to person or from surfaces to people. Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and stomach infections.
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often. On this week’s post, we share the key times to wash hands and the 5 steps to follow to wash hands every time.
Key Times to Wash Hands
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before and after eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrohea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After throwing garbage out
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.
Follow these five handwashing steps every time:
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Keeping Hands Clean.
