Each year on October 15, CDC works with global partners and colleagues to highlight Global Handwashing Day and raise awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap and water.

This is from the CDC website:

Washing your hands is easy—and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them

Wow, The Happy Birthday song twice?  If you see me singing Happy Birthday in front of the sink you should know I am just washing my hands.

The WHO goes a step further and even provides us with a little “How To” video.