Your hands do it all, from cooking and cleaning to caring for your family. But they also pick up germs faster than you think! Here are 30 moments when handwashing keeps everyone safe and healthy.
1–7. After Touching Everyday Items
- After handling cash or credit cards
- After touching door handles, railings, or lift buttons
- After using shopping carts or petrol pumps
- After scrolling or typing on your smartphone or tablet
- After using shared office items like keyboards or pens
- After reading restaurant menus that pass through many hands
- After touching light switches or remote controls in public spaces
8–10. When You Get Home
- After coming home from work, errands, or school runs
- After using public transport or ride shares
- After travelling through airports, buses, or taxis
11–16. Preparing and Eating Food
- Before preparing food or cooking
- After touching raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
- Between handling different types of food (like raw chicken and veggies)
- Before eating or serving meals, even with utensils
- Before and after using gloves for food prep
- After clearing plates or handling leftovers
17-21. Caring for Baby
- Before preparing baby formula
- Before feeding your baby, whether bottle or solids
- Before and after changing nappies
- After wiping your baby’s mouth or nose
- Before handling breast pumps or baby bottles
22–24. After Interacting with Animals
- After petting or feeding animals
- After cleaning cages, litter boxes, or pet bowls
- After handling reptiles, chicks, or small animals that may carry Salmonella
25–27. Personal Care and First Aid
- Before and after inserting contact lenses
- Before and after treating cuts, wounds, or applying bandages
- After touching your face, sneezing, or coughing
28–30. General Hygiene
The classics, but still the most important!
- After using the toilet or helping a child with theirs
- After cleaning surfaces, taking out the rubbish, or handling laundry
- Before and after caring for anyone who is sick
References
https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html#
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253#
https://blog.initial.co.za/5-surprising-facts-about-hand-hygiene/#
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17474-hand-washing
