Find Out Why Hand Hygiene is Important

The Whys of Washing
When it comes to keeping kids happy and healthy, a little thing like proper hand washing goes a long way.

The Whens of Washing
Because germs are invisible, it’s important to wash your hands even when they don’t look dirty, including:

• Before eating; also before, during and after preparing food
• After using the bathroom
• After handling animals or their waste
• When someone at home is sick

The How-Tos of Washing
With soap and water

1	Wet hands in warm, running water.

2	Lather well with soap. Rub hands vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces (back of hands, wrists, between fingers, under nails).

3	Rinse well. Dry with a clean or disposable towel. (In a public restroom, leave the water running, dry hands, then turn off the faucet using a paper towel.)

When soap and water aren’t handy
Hand sanitizers such as PURELL® are ideal when there’s no soap and water.

1	Apply to your palm (read label for amount).

2	Rub hands together, covering all surfaces, until they are dry.

Note: If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water.