The Soap and Detergent Association

Proper Steps To Good Hygiene: Washing Your Hands the Right Way

1. Wet hands with warm running water prior to reaching for soap, either in bar or liquid form. 

2. Rub hands together to make a lather. Do this away from running water, so the lather isn’t washed away. 

3. Wash the front and back of hands, between fingers and under nails. Continue washing for 15 seconds or more.

4. Rinse hands well under warm running water.

5. Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer.

6. Alcohol based hand sanitizers or gels or antibacterial wipes are useful alternatives if soap and water are not available (for example, when traveling in the car or taxi on the way to a business meeting, before eating an in-flight meal or snack, outdoor work settings, etc.)