The Art of
Proper Hand Washing

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Alcohol-based sanitizers significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.

• If you have to touch part of a dispenser to get a paper towel, get your towel BEFORE you wash your hands, and hold it under your arm.
• Wet your hands with running water. Use warm water if it is available for a better lather.
• Wash the front and back of your hands, your thumbs, between your fingers, and around your fingernails with warm water for 20 seconds (the equivalent of singing two verses of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat").
• Rinse your hands thoroughly, and dry them with a paper towel or an air dryer. Push the "start" button on a blow dryer with your elbow.
• If possible, use a paper towel to turn off the water and open the door. Toss it in the nearest waste basket.

While there is little evidence to recommend a specific ideal water temperature for effective hand washing, it seems logical to use warm water. Excessively hot water is harder on the skin and dries the skin. Cold water may reduce the lathering of soap. If you only have access to cold water, take more time to create sufficient lather. Either excessively hot or cold water may make it uncomfortable to wash for the recommended amount of time, which is what is most important.

View a Video on Proper Hand Washing Techniques From the CDC

When should you wash your hands?

• Before preparing or eating food
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

Remember