SKILL SHEET: WASHING HANDS 

 

 

1. Turn on warm water and wet hands. 


 




 

3. Rub your hands together vigorously for at 
least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of the 
hands and fingers. 
• Scrub nails by rubbing them against the 
palms of your hands. 
• Wash surfaces around fingernails, where 
jewelry is worn, and between fingers. 




 

 

 

2. Apply the correct amount of soap 


 

 

 

4. Rinse your hands with water. 
5. Dry your hands thoroughly with a disposable 
towel. 
6. Turn off the faucet using the disposable 
towel. 


If hand-washing facilities are not readily 
available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
(60-95% alcohol). 

 


Clean your hands often, especially: 

• Before and after contact with a person who is sick. 
• After coughing or sneezing, even when using a tissue. 
• Before, during, and after preparing food. 
• Before eating. 
• After using the bathroom. 
• After handling trash, garbage or animal waste. 
• When coming into the home from public places. 
• When hands are dirty.