Why Hand Hygiene is Important
and When to Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading. Learn more about why you should wash your hands, diseases you don't want, antibiotic resistance, how germs are spread, where germs hide, and when to wash your hands.
Why wash:
- Diseases and Handwashing
Information on a large number of diseases and conditions, most that could be prevented by proper hand hygiene.
- Hand Hygiene and Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. Handwashing prevents the spread of germs.
- 5 Common Ways Germs are Spread
This fun poster teaches about cross contamination.
- Germs are Tough
This poster teaches about germs.
- Where do Germs Hide?
A flyer explaining that the bulk of germs are hiding where you least suspect.
- Hands and Bacteria Poster
Poster showing number of bacteria on hands.
- Hands and Faucet Poster
Poster showing that even faucets are dirty.
When to wash:
- When Should I Wash My Hands Poster
Fun poster showing important times to wash hands.
- When to Wash Flyer
A flyer with a list of some important times to wash your hands.
“Hand Washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection”
Spotlight
Which Soap is Best?
Antibacterial soap vs. plain soap: Which is better? Liquid soap or bar soap? What about alcohol-based hand sanitizers?
Hand Hygiene Print Materials
Signs, posters, brochures, manuals, curricula, and other hand hygiene materials that you can print and use.
Clean Your Hands! Poster
This 11x17 poster shows the six steps for washing hands with soap and water or two for cleaning with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Note:If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Wash your hands with soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled.
Food handlers in restaurants, schools, delis and grocery stores must wash their hands with soap and water before applying hand sanitizers. [Minn Rules Chap. 4626.0070 - 4626.0085] See Hand Hygiene for Food Handlers for more information.
If you have questions or comments about this page, please use our Foodsafety Comment Form.
