U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use

at Home, at Play, and Out and About

CS270631

Germs are everywhere! They can get onto hands and items we touch during 

daily activities and make you sick. Cleaning hands at key times with soap and 

water or hand sanitizer is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid 

getting sick and spreading germs to those around you. 

There are important differences between washing hands with soap and water 

and cleaning them with hand sanitizer. For example, alcohol-based hand 

sanitizers don’t kill ALL types of germs, such as a stomach bug called norovirus, 

some parasites, and Clostridium difficile, which causes severe diarrhea. Hand 

sanitizers also may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and 

heavy metals like lead. Handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs, 

pesticides, and metals on hands. Knowing when to clean your hands and which 

method to use will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.

When should I use?

Soap and Water

• 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 bathroom, changing 

diapers, or cleaning up a child who 

has used the bathroom

• After blowing your nose, coughing, 

or sneezing 

• After touching an animal, animal food or 

treats, animal cages, or animal waste

• After touching garbage

• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer 

• Before and after visiting a friend or a loved 

one in a hospital or nursing home, unless 

the person is sick with Clostridium difficile

(if so, use soap and water to wash hands).

• If soap and water are not available, use an 

alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 

at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap 

and water as soon as you can.

* Do NOT use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly 

dirty or greasy: for example, after gardening, 

playing outdoors, or after fishing or camping 

(unless a handwashing station is not available). 

Wash your hands with soap and water instead.
How should I use?

Soap and Water

• Wet your hands with clean running water 

(warm or cold) and apply soap.

• Lather your hands by rubbing them 

together with the soap. 

• Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including 

the palms, backs, fingers, between 

your fingers, and under your nails. Keep 

scrubbing for 20 seconds. Need a timer? 

Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

• Rinse your hands under clean, 

running water.

• Dry your hands using a clean towel or 

air dry them.

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer 

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that 

contains at least 60% alcohol. Supervise 

young children when they use hand sanitizer 

to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in 

schools and childcare facilities. 

• Apply. Put enough product on hands to 

cover all surfaces.

• Rub hands together, until hands feel dry. 

This should take around 20 seconds.

Note: Do not rinse or wipe off the hand 

sanitizer before it’s dry; it may not work 

as well against germs.

For more information, visit the CDC handwashing website, www.cdc.gov/handwashing.