


Handwashing helps prevent infections for these reasons:

  • People often touch their eyes, nose and mouth without realizing it, introducing germs into their bodies.
  • Germs from unwashed hands may get into foods and drinks when people prepare or consume them.
  • Germs can grow in some types of foods or drinks and make people sick. Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, such as door knobs, tables or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.


When should you wash your hands:

  • Before, during and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone who is sick
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using 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 touching garbage



  1. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm/cold), turn off water, and apply soap
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap, making sure to lather palms, the back of the hands and in between your fingers
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds - - long enough to hum the happy birthday song
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water