Following the CDC handwashing guidelines helps protect you, your family, and your community from respiratory and diarrheal infections. These evidence-based steps are designed to remove germs effectively and reduce the spread of illness in everyday situations.
Consistent and correct hand hygiene is a simple but powerful public health tool that complements vaccines, masking, and distancing. The guidance below outlines when to wash, how long to scrub, and how to dry safely.
| Key Moment | When to Wash | Recommended Duration | Drying Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Eating or Preparing Food | Immediately before handling food | At least 20 seconds | Clean towel or air dryer |
| After Using the Toilet | After every use | At least 20 seconds | Clean towel or air dryer |
| After Coughing, Sneezing, or Blowing Nose | After respiratory secretions | At least 20 seconds | Clean towel or air dryer |
| After Touching Public Surfaces | After transport, doors, or shared items | At least 20 seconds | Clean towel or air dryer |
| Before and After Caring for Someone Sick | Before and after close contact | At least 20 seconds | Clean towel or air dryer |
When to Perform Handwashing According to CDC
Critical Moments for Hand Hygiene
The CDC handwashing guidelines specify key times when washing is essential to prevent infection. These include before and after food handling, using the restroom, and providing care to an ill person.
Situations Involving Respiratory Secretions
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, you should wash your hands to remove pathogens that can spread through droplets. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an alternative when soap and water are not available.
Contact with Public or Shared Surfaces
Touching railings, elevator buttons, or store counters can transfer germs to your hands. Washing promptly after these activities reduces the risk of transferring pathogens to your face or shared items.
How to Wash Hands Correctly
Step-by-Step Washing Technique
Wet hands with clean water, apply soap, and scrub all surfaces including backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails for at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.
Use of Hand Sanitizer
When soap and water are not accessible, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub until dry, but wash with soap and water whenever visibly dirty or greasy.
Special Situations and Settings
Healthcare and Clinical Environments
In clinical settings, the CDC handwashing guidelines are reinforced with additional protocols such as surgical hand antisepsis and strict timing to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Staff follow precise product and duration requirements in these environments.
Childcare and School Settings
Children should wash hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing. Educators model and supervise proper technique to establish lifelong hygiene habits and reduce absenteeism due to illness.
Community and Public Events
During gatherings or public transportation, access to handwashing stations or portable sanitizing stations supports ongoing hygiene. Clear signage and scheduling help maintain compliance during high traffic times.
Everyday Practices to Support Effective Hand Hygiene
- Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food
- Wash hands before eating food
- Wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers
- Wash hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- Wash hands after touching garbage or handling waste
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable
- Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer
FAQ
Reader questions
How long should I scrub during handwashing according to CDC guidance?
You should scrub all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water to effectively remove germs.
When should I choose handwashing over hand sanitizer in community settings?
Wash with soap and water when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, after using the restroom, and before handling food, as sanitizer is less effective in these situations.
Are there specific recommendations for handwashing in childcare or school environments?
Yes, children should wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing, with supervision to ensure proper technique and duration.
What should I do if soap and clean water are not available when I am out in public?
Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all hand surfaces and rubbing until dry, then wash with soap and water as soon as possible.