Many people just wash their hands quickly thinking it will be sufficient enough, but often it’s not enough to clean the bacteria from their hands; especially if they have handled raw meat or been to the toilet.

You should wash your hands with clean, running water (hot, warm or cold) then apply soap. When you have lathered the soap into your hands, be sure to later between your fingers and under your nails, as well as the back of your hands. You should repeat the scrubbing action for about 30 seconds before rinsing thoroughly under clean running water, before shaking off towards the sink and drying your hands on a clean dry towel, or air dry them.

Remember to practice good hygiene habits; you should 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, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage