Placer County Home
Center for Digital Government           Home MailPrint PageSite MapConvert to PDF
/upload/globalheaders/hhs_header_c.jpg

Preventing the Spread of Disease

Washing your hands is the # 1 way to prevent infection!

/upload/hhs/hhs   community health/images/fsehands.jpgThe Right Way to Wash Your Hands: In 9 Easy Steps!

  • Wet your hands with warm running water
  • Add soap.
  • Rub your hands together, making a soapy lather.
  • Do this away from the running water for at least 20 seconds. Being careful not to wash the soap away.
  • Wash the front and back of your hands, as well as between your fingers and under your nails.
  • Rinse your hands well under warm running water.
  • Let the water run back into the sink, not down to your elbows.
  • Turn off the water with a paper towel and dispose in a proper receptacle.
  • Dry hands with a clean towel until hands are very dry. 

What Type of Soap is BEST to Use?

  • Any kind of soap can be used.
  • However, when you’re using bar soap make sure it is in a draining holder.

No Soap and Water?

  • NO PROBLEM!
  • There are alcohol-based rubs/ gels/ and rinses available to keep those hands clean and infection free. 

Steps to Using Alcohol Rubs:

  • Apply enough of the alcohol rub to make about the size of a dime onto your hands (enough when you rub your hands together to cover all areas of your hands).
  • Use a rubbing motion to cover your hands with the disinfectant product for about 15 –25 seconds.

When to Wash Your Hands:

Before:

  • Preparing, serving, or eating food.
  • Brushing or flossing your teeth.
  • Putting in or taking out contact lenses.
  • Taking care of cuts or wounds (and after.)
© 2006 County of Placer, California | Legal Notices | Citizens GuideContact Us |