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Back to health libraryKeeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness.
Reviewed 12/17/2025
5 steps to clean hands
Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness. The best way to keep your hands germ-free? Wash them well with soap and water. Here's a look at the five steps involved in good handwashing.
STEP ONE: Wet your hands with clean, running water (it can be warm or cold). Apply soap.
STEP TWO: Rub your hands together to make a lather. Scrub hands well all over-make sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
STEP THREE: Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds—that's about as long as it takes to hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
STEP FOUR: Rinse your hands well under running water.
STEP FIVE: Dry off using a clean towel, or air-dry.
Don't have access to soap and water? Hand sanitizer can be a good alternative.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Hand-Washing-A-Powerful-Antidote-to-Illness.aspx.
- American Red Cross. "Prepare with Pedro! Wash Your Hands." https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/youth/pwp/en/EN_RedCross_PrepareWithPedro_Handwashing_Story.pdf.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Handwashing." https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/.
- UpToDate. "How to Wash Your Hands." https://www.uptodate.com/contents/image?imageKey=PI%2F126955.