Global Handwashing Day · October 15Bubbles popped: 0

Wash like you mean it.

Twenty seconds, a few simple moves, clean hands. Friendly, fact-checked guidance for families, classrooms and the nurses who taught us all.

20 sec

Wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Wet, add soap, then tap the circle and scrub along.

  • Palms
  • Backs of hands
  • Between fingers
  • Thumbs
  • Fingertips
  • Under your nails

Soap or sanitizer?

Pick a moment. We’ll show you which one wins.

Soap & water 20 seconds

Dirty hands, before eating, after the bathroom, and stomach bugs like norovirus. Plain soap is enough.

Hand sanitizer 60%+ alcohol

No sink and hands look clean, and most moments in patient care. Rub until dry, about 20 seconds.

1 in 38

hospital patients picks up an infection while getting care. Clean hands are one of the simplest ways to change that.

Each dot is one hospital patient. Source: CDC survey of 2023 data, published July 2026.

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