Handwashing and Everyday Germ Prevention: Simple Habits That Protect You

Handwashing might seem too simple to matter, but it's one of the most effective everyday ways to protect yourself and others from illness. The CDC explains that handwashing helps prevent respiratory infections, like colds, and diarrheal infections.

Germs spread when people touch their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, prepare food or drinks with unwashed hands, or touch surfaces that others then touch.

How to wash your hands: the CDC's 5 steps

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather by rubbing your hands together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

When to wash your hands

According to the CDC, key times include:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating
• 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 helping a child use the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or treats
• After touching garbage

It's also a good idea to wash your hands when you get home from public places.

When hand sanitizer works

If soap and water aren't available, the CDC recommends an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Check the label.

To use it:

1. Apply the product to the palm of one hand (follow the label for the amount).
2. Rub your hands together.
3. Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until they're dry — this usually takes about 20 seconds.

Keep in mind that hand sanitizers:

• Don't eliminate all types of germs
• May not work as well when hands are visibly dirty or greasy
• May not remove harmful chemicals like pesticides

When possible, soap and water is the better choice. Keep hand sanitizer out of reach of young children, as swallowing it can be dangerous.

Other everyday germ-prevention habits

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, remote controls, and kitchen counters.
• Stay home when you're sick when possible, to avoid spreading illness.
• Practice food safety: separate raw meat from other foods, cook to safe temperatures, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Our meal prep guide covers the basics.
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which vaccines are right for you.
• Support your overall health with good sleep, regular activity, and a balanced diet.

Teaching kids to wash their hands

• Make it fun with songs or timers
• Model good handwashing yourself
• Use a step stool so they can reach the sink
• Remind them at key times: before meals, after the bathroom, after playing outside

Caring for your skin

Frequent handwashing can dry out your skin. Use a moisturizing lotion regularly, especially after washing. Dry, cracked skin can make it easier for germs to enter.

The bottom line

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a simple habit with big benefits. Wash at key times throughout the day, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn't available, and pair hand hygiene with other everyday prevention habits.