Get Ready Hand-washing: What you need to know

NEW! Check out our free hand-washing fact sheets! ¡Ahora tambien en Español!

Hand-washing: What you need to know

Handwashing mom and daughter

Prevent infections through hand-washing
Hand-washing is one of the most important — and easiest — ways to prevent infectious disease. To help spread that message, APHA's Get Ready campaign is bringing together everything you need to know about hand-washing right here on the Get Ready website!

Watch the video
Tips for keeping kids safe from infectious disease Watch now

Get the facts
How long should I wash my hands? Should I use warm or hot water? Get the answers to these and other questions in these frequently asked questions on hand-washing. Read FAQs

Update: Orders are closed
APHA has received thousands of requests for its free Get Ready hand-washing timers. Because of this incredible demand, we are no longer accepting requests for the timers.

Thanks for promoting proper hand-washing!

Tips for day cares
Hand-washing is especially important at day cares, where little hands come into contact with germs on a regular basis.

Check out our Q&A with Bobette Thompson of the National Association of Child Care Professionals. Read now or listen to our podcast

Send us your ideas
Do you have an idea for a fact sheet or other hand-washing materials that you would like to see the Get Ready campaign provide for free?

Send us an e-mail and let us know! We would love to receive your feedback.