Handwashing Poster
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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, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at
least 60% alcohol to clean hands.
Wash Your Hands: The Right Way
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 or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
What is the right way to wash your hands?
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and
apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well;
be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and
under your nails.
- Continue rubbing 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 running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
What if I 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. If soap and water are not available, use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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.
Hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are visibly
dirty.
How do you use hand sanitizers?
- Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together.
- Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers
until your hands are dry.
Resources and Publications
Videos, podcasts, features, fact sheets, posters, and
e-Cards
Hygiene Partnerships and Educational Materials
Water-related
Hygiene
Hygiene refers to behaviors that can improve cleanliness and
lead to good health, such as frequent hand washing, face washing,
and bathing with soap and water.
More
Hand Hygiene
in Healthcare Settings
Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings provides healthcare workers
and patients with a variety of resources and materials.
More
Hand Hygiene to Help Prevent
Flu
Good health habits for preventing seasonal flu include proper
handwashing to help stop the spread of germs at home, work, and
school.
More
Hand Hygiene During an
Emergency
During and after an emergency, it can be difficult to find
running water.
More
Hand Hygiene Aboard
Ships
Good hand hygiene is one of the most critical control strategies
in outbreak management on board ships and cruises.
More