Handwashing at Home: Key Moments and the 20-Second Method

Handwashing with soap and clean running water helps reduce the spread of germs that can cause respiratory and diarrheal infections. CDC highlights common moments when washing matters: before preparing food or eating, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, after changing a diaper, after handling garbage, and before or after caring for someone who is sick.

Five steps

1. Wet hands with clean, running water and turn off the tap.

2. Apply soap and lather the backs of the hands, between fingers, and under nails.

3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.

4. Rinse well under clean, running water.

5. Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

The technique is more than a quick rinse. Soap and friction help lift germs and dirt, while rinsing carries them away. Keep soap and a clean drying method easy to reach so handwashing is practical for children and adults. A simple timer or a familiar short song can help children approximate 20 seconds.

When soap and water are not available

CDC says an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used when soap and clean water are not readily available. Sanitizer does not remove all types of germs or harmful chemicals and may be less effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise use as appropriate.

Handwashing is one part of infection prevention; it does not replace staying home when ill, food-safety steps, or medical care. If someone has severe or worsening symptoms, seek professional guidance. For wounds, follow the clinician's care instructions and wash hands before and after dressing changes. These small moments add up more reliably than waiting for a special product or a complicated routine.

Sources and further reading

• About Handwashing — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health disclaimer

This article is for general education only. Its information and suggestions are not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and may not be right for everyone. Ask a qualified health professional for advice that fits your health, medications, and needs before changing your diet, exercise, supplement use, or care.