Hands can carry germs from people, surfaces, food and bodily waste to the eyes, nose, mouth and other people. CDC describes washing hands with soap and clean running water as one of the best ways to stay healthy and reduce the spread of respiratory and diarrhoeal infections.
How does CDC describe the spread of germs from hands?
CDC explains that germs may spread when people touch their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands; touch contaminated objects or surfaces; or cough, sneeze or blow their nose into their hands and then touch other people or shared objects.
Handwashing reduces one route by which germs can move. It does not identify which germ caused an illness and does not replace prevention measures that may apply to a particular infection or setting.
When does CDC recommend washing hands?
CDC highlights times when people are more likely to get or spread germs:
- before, during and after preparing food;
- before and after eating;
- before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhoea;
- before and after treating a cut or wound;
- after using the toilet;
- after changing a nappy or cleaning a child who has used the toilet;
- after blowing the nose, coughing or sneezing;
- after touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste;
- after handling pet food or treats; and
- after touching rubbish.
This list provides practical public-health reminders. A specific school, childcare facility or health-care setting may have additional hygiene procedures.
What are CDC’s five handwashing steps?
- Wet: wet hands with clean running water, turn off the tap and apply soap.
- Lather: rub hands together with soap, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails.
- Scrub: continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse: rinse well under clean running water.
- Dry: use a clean towel or an air dryer.
CDC’s familiar timing example is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. The important source-backed instruction is to scrub for at least 20 seconds and cover the hand surfaces described above.
What if soap and water are unavailable?
CDC says an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used when soap and water are not readily available. The concentration should be checked on the product label.
CDC still describes soap and water as the best option in many community situations. Sanitizer does not remove every type of germ or harmful chemical, and it may be less effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
How can CDC’s key times be grouped for everyday use?
CDC’s list covers several everyday situations. Around food, it includes washing before, during and after food preparation and before and after eating. Around personal care, it includes after using the toilet, after changing a nappy or cleaning a child who has used the toilet, and before and after treating a cut or wound.
When illness may spread at home, CDC includes before and after caring for someone who is sick with vomiting or diarrhoea, and after blowing the nose, coughing or sneezing. Its list also includes contact with animals, animal feed or animal waste, handling pet food or treats, and touching rubbish.
Grouping the occasions can make the list easier to remember, but the groups do not change CDC’s individual recommendations. Schools, childcare facilities and health-care settings may also have procedures for their own environments.
Why does the five-step method include different hand surfaces?
CDC’s lathering step specifically includes the backs of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails. The scrubbing step lasts at least 20 seconds, followed by rinsing under clean running water and drying with a clean towel or air dryer.
The five steps form one sequence: wet and apply soap, lather the named surfaces, scrub for the stated time, rinse and dry. This page keeps that sequence intact rather than treating the 20-second reminder as the whole method.
How should the sanitizer statement be read?
CDC describes soap and water as the best way to remove germs in most situations. When soap and water are not readily available, it says an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used, and that the concentration can be checked on the product label.
This is a general alternative for situations without ready access to soap and water. The source-backed statement does not identify the cause of an illness or determine what infection-control measures are required for a particular exposure, outbreak or care setting.
How does CDC suggest encouraging the habit?
CDC provides health-promotion materials intended to help children and adults make handwashing part of everyday life. Its examples include printable stickers or clings for bathroom mirrors, fact sheets and campaign materials. These reminders support the routine; they do not replace the wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry steps.
Can handwashing replace other prevention measures?
No. Handwashing is one public-health measure. Vaccination, food-safety practices, environmental cleaning and infection-specific guidance may also be relevant. Which measures apply depends on the setting and the infection of concern.
What this page cannot determine
This information cannot assess an individual exposure, diagnose an infection or determine whether a child needs medical care. Parents concerned about a child’s symptoms or exposure should seek advice from a qualified health professional. For an immediate or urgent concern, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest appropriate facility.
Related ChildSpecialist.in information
See food safety and young children and norovirus and children for related source-cited public-health information.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Handwashing. Source reviewed 1 October 2026.