Keeping your hands clean is the most important step you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Most of us understand the importance of washing our hands before eating and after using the restroom. It is also important to wash your hands before & after preparing food, before & after caring for someone who is sick, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and after changing the trash bag.

Many people tend to grab a squirt of soap and have quick rinse without maximizing the benefits of thorough handwashing. Here are some tips to increase the effectiveness of your handwashing:

•  Fully lather your hands on the front, back, between fingers and under fingernails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds each time you wash. If you need a guide, try humming the happy birthday song twice while you wash.
• Always dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer after washing.

Washing hands with soap and water is the most effective method; however, when soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html