How to wash your hands (2024)

Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and viruses such as flu and coronavirus (COVID-19).

It's a good idea to remove jewellery (if possible) before washing your hands.

You should wash your hands for the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 40 seconds in total):

If you do not have immediate access to soap and water then use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if available.

When should you wash yourhands?

You should wash your hands:

• after using the toilet or changing a nappy
• before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables
• before eating or handling food
• after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
• before and after treating a cut or wound
• after touching animals, including pets, their food and after cleaning their cages

Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses such as food poisoning, flu or diarrhoea.

It can help stop people picking up infections and spreading them to others.

It can also help stop spreading infections when you're visiting someone in hospital or another healthcare setting.