October 15 is Global Handwashing Day!
Washing your hands is 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.
Learn how to properly wash your hands with soap and water, and show others how to practice good hand hygiene.
Participate in Global Handwashing Day
For Global Handwashing Day on Wednesday, October 15, let’s commit to promoting proper handwashing and hand hygiene! Here are some ways you can participate:
- Use these sample social media posts along with the graphics on this page and the hashtags #GlobalHandwashingDay and #foodsafety.
- Share the videos (see above) that encourage proper handwashing and food safety steps.
- Share the handwashing coloring placemat and the handwashing coloring page on social media with the hashtags #GlobalHandwashingDay and #foodsafety.
- Watch the replay of the webinar Clean Hands, Healthy Home! which highlighted observational research on consumer handwashing, and how handwashing awareness and the recent shifts in handwashing behavior. CEUs are available!
Handwashing Mythbusters
Common food safety myths originate from the misapplication of science, family tradition, or misinformation on social media.
The Partnership created these social media graphics for consumers and educators to help debunk common home food safety myths.
Brush up on safe food handling steps with these food safety Mythbusters!
Clean Hands, Healthy Home!
Just in time for Global Handwashing Day, health, nutrition and food safety educators are invited to download and share these resources on social media and in your outreach.
The infographic (right) is available as a JPG file and printable PDF file.
These colorful social graphics teach families how to properly wash hands while preparing food and handling raw meat, flour and eggs.
Use these sample social media posts along with the graphics on this page. Let’s help educate families on proper hand hygiene!
Teach Kids Proper Handwashing
Food Delivery
Know your role! As the way we receive food changes, the core food safety practices remain essential to protecting our health and the health of those we love.
Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with clean, running water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Learn more about the three simple steps you need to follow to keep your delivered food safe!
Free Downloads
Food safety starts at home! Check out these free resources to help keep families healthy while preparing food at home.
Kids Activities
These kid-friendly activities will help teach young ones how to properly wash their hands, as well as other food safety steps to help keep them healthy!
Handwashing Tips
Washing your hands is 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.
Follow the CDC’s five steps for effective handwashing.
- 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.
If soap and water aren’t available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
For more information visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
Additional Resources
Global Handwashing Day was founded by the Global Handwashing Partnership, and is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times. Global Handwashing Day is celebrated every year on October 15.