Before eating

Before during and after handling or preparing food

After contact with blood or body secretions

After changing a diaper

After you use the bathroom

After handling animals, their toys, leashes or waste

After touching something that could be contaminated (such as trash can, cleaning cloth, drain or soil)

Before dressing a wound, giving medicine or inserting contact lenses

More often when someone in your home is sick

Whenever they look dirty

Wet your hands and apply liquid, bar or powder soap

Rub hands together vigorously to make a lather and scrub all surfaces

Continue for 20 seconds!  It takes that long for the soap and scrubbing action to dislodge and remove stubborn germs.  Need a timer? Sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself-twice!

Rinse hands well under running water

Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer

If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.