When to Wash
A poster with a list of some important times to wash your hands.
Download a print version of this document:
When to Wash (PDF: 167KB/1 page)
Wash your hands:
- After going to the toilet or changing diapers
- After coughing or sneezing
- After getting visible soil on hands
- After handling raw meat/poultry or unwashed fruits and veggies
- After playing with pets
- After smoking, eating or drinking
- After touching sores, lacerations or infected areas
- After playing/working outside
- After playing in water more than one person has used
- Before and after touching any animals
- When arriving at work or school
- Before handling foods
- Before eating
- Before giving medications
- Before putting contacts in eyes
- Before touching ready-to-eat foods/snacks
- Lots!
“Hand Washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection”
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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.
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