Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. If clean, running water is not accessible, as is common in many parts of the world, use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, then you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol to clean 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 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 touching garbage

How should you properly wash your hands?

For proper hand washing, all you need is 20 seconds and some soap and water.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

• Last, use that paper towel to open the door, and then throw it in the trash can

What should you do if you don’t have soap and clean running water?

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them in most situations. But if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol for on-the-go cleaning.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals. Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Hand Sanitizers How to?

• Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).

• Rub your hands together.

• Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

Caution. Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning.  Keep it out of reach of young. Resource: CDC Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.