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5 steps for hand-washing

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps for hand-washing:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Apply soap.

slide 1 of 5
    
slide 1 of 5, Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Apply soap.,

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.

slide 2 of 5
    
slide 2 of 5, Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.,

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

slide 3 of 5
    
slide 3 of 5, Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. ,

Scrub the backs of hands, between fingers, palms, and under nails.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

slide 4 of 5
    
slide 4 of 5, Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.,

Protect your hand with a paper towel when you turn off the faucet. Dry your hands using a clean towel, or air-dry them.

slide 5 of 5
    
slide 5 of 5, Protect your hand with a paper towel when you turn off the faucet. Dry your hands using a clean towel, or air-dry them.,

Current as of: March 26, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine

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