Clean Hands = Healthy Homes, Workplaces, and Schools

Key Takeaways:

• Handwashing is a simple act people of all ages can do to reduce the spread of germs.
• Children learn good handwashing habits by modeling behaviors they see in adults.
• Scrub all surfaces of your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs. Throughout the day, our hands touch shared surfaces, food, pets, toys, phones, desks, door handles, and other objects that can carry germs.

Washing with soap and water helps remove those germs before they can spread to our eyes, nose, mouth, food, or other people.

At home

Wash your hands before preparing or eating food; before and after caring for someone who is sick; after using the bathroom or changing a diaper; after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose; after touching animals or pet waste; and after handling garbage.

Children should learn these habits early and see adults practicing them, too. You can make hand hygiene a family activity by: 

• Giving frequent reminders
• Leading by example
• Singing a song together
• Turning it into a game

At work and school

Handwashing is especially important because students and coworkers share classrooms, offices, supplies, equipment, and common spaces.

Key times include before eating, after using the restroom; after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose; after going outside; and whenever your hands are visibly dirty. You should also wash after activities that involve shared materials or animals.

Best handwashing practices

For the best results, wet your hands with clean running water, apply soap, and scrub all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.

When soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol can be used, although it does not replace handwashing when hands are visibly dirty.

One individual – regardless of age – can make a big difference

Good hand hygiene is a small action with a large impact. Building consistent handwashing habits at home, work, and at school helps protect children, families, and the entire community from preventable illness.

Learn more at CDC.gov/Handwashing.