Here are four very important things you can do to keep you and your family and friends safe from foodborne illness at home. Rub your hands together to loosen any dirt and germs. Rub between fingers, and over your wrists, don't forget your thumbs. Get under your fingernails where germs can hide, too. Rinse under clean, warm water.
Warm water is better than cold water to get the germs off.
Dry your hands with paper towels. After being used once, a cloth towel might have germs on it, so if you prefer cloth towels, wash them frequently. Never store foods that won't be cooked before serving in the same container as raw meat, fish or poultry. Use a hard cutting surface with no splits or holes in it. Germs can grow in them.