Handwashing

Properly washing your hands should be an important part of your daily routine.

Washing your hands is your best defence against spreading illness such as the flu, colds, food-borne diseases, and norovirus (general information from Health Canada and information for health professionals from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care).

How to wash your hands

Follow these steps for healthy handwashing habits throughout your day.

1. Use regular—not antibacterial—soap and running water.
2. Lather the front and back of your hands.
3. Rub between your fingers and under your nails.
4. Wash for at least 15 seconds.
5. Rinse with warm water.
6. Dry your hands with a paper towel.
7. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Download 8.5 x 11″ signage (PDF, 133 KB) on how to wash your hands.

When should I wash my hands?

When to wash your hands is also key to preventing the spread of illness. Here’s when you should be washing your hands:

• when you arrive at work or home
• when arriving at, or leaving, a daycare
• when arriving at, or leaving, a health care facility
• when your hands are visibly dirty
• after handling garbage
• after handling dirty diapers
• after sneezing or coughing
• after wiping your nose
• after using the toilet
• after handling animals or animal waste
• before preparing, serving, or eating food
• before giving or taking medication

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This item was last modified on June 12, 2020