How and When to Wash Your Hands - Watch WebMD Video

[WebMD Video: How and When to Wash Your Hands]

[Narrator]: Washing your hands is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs. Here's how to do it right.

[Step 1: Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.]

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

[Step 2: Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.]

[Narrator]: Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

[Step 3: Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice from beginning to end to help you time yourself.]

[Narrator]: Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice from beginning to end to help you time yourself.

[Step 4: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.]

[Narrator]: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

[Step 5: Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry.]]

[Narrator]: Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry.

[Narrator]: Remember to wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. By washing your hands, you can help prevent the spread of germs and stay healthy.