Hand Hygiene at Home

Family Health · Last reviewed: August 2026

Handwashing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to prevent infection at home.

When to wash hands

• Before cooking and before eating
• After using the toilet
• After changing a nappy
• After returning home from outside
• Before handling a newborn baby
• After coughing, sneezing or cleaning the nose

How to wash hands

• Wet the hands and apply soap.
• Rub palms, back of the hands, between fingers, thumbs and nails.
• Continue for about 20 seconds.
• Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth.

For children

Teach children by doing it with them and keep soap within their reach. Making it part of the daily routine works better than reminders alone.