How to Wash


How To Wash

New: How to Wash Your Hands Video

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GermsHandwashing is the single most important action to stop spreading infection and disease.

How To Wash Your Hands Properly

  • Use soap and warm, running water.
  • Rub your hands vigorously for 20 seconds
  • Wash all surfaces, including:
    • backs of hands
    • wrists
    • between fingers
    • tips of fingers
    • under fingernails
    • Rinse your hands well
  • Dry your hands with a paper towel.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

You should always wash your hands after:

  • Going to the toilet (or changing diapers)
  • Coughing/sneezing or using a tissue
  • Handling raw meat and poultry
  • Touching lacerations/cuts, sores or infected areas on the skin
  • Handling or playing with pets
  • Touching dirty kitchen equipment, utensils, dishes or work surfaces
  • Smoking, eating or drinking and before handling foods
  • When hands become visibly soiled

You should always wash your hands before:

  • Touching or handling ready-to-eat foods, such as breads, deli meats, cheese, fruits and vegetables, etc.
  • You eat

The best way to prevent disease is to wash your hands

 

Germ Animation

Bureau of Environmental Health
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 330
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1274
Phone: (785) 296-8092, 1-866-865-3233
FAX: (785) 296-5594
BEH@kdheks.gov