six step hand washing technique poster

"Six-Step Hand Washing Technique: Poster Guide"

By Daniel TaylorMarch 30, 2026

In the fight against germs and illnesses, one of the most powerful weapons we have is also one of the simplest: proper hand washing. The six-step hand washing technique, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a crucial part of infection prevention and control. Here, we'll delve into this technique, its importance, and provide a downloadable poster to help you remember and teach these vital steps.

Why Hand Washing Matters

Hand washing is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of diseases like the common cold, flu, and even more serious illnesses like COVID-19. Our hands can pick up and spread germs when we touch surfaces contaminated with viruses or bacteria, and then touch our face, eyes, nose, or mouth. By washing our hands properly, we can significantly reduce this risk.

The Six-Step Hand Washing Technique

The WHO's six-step hand washing technique is designed to effectively remove germs from our hands. Let's break down each step:

6 Steps Of Hand Washing, Hand Washing Techniques, How To Wash Your Hands Step By Step, Handwashing Techniques, Hand Hygiene Posters Nursing, Hygiene Rules, Hand Washing Poster Free Printable, Medical Hand Washing, Step By Step Hand Washing For Kids

Step 1: Wet your hands - Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
Step 2: Apply soap - Turn off the tap and apply soap. The type of soap doesn't matter - it could be bar soap or liquid soap.
Step 3: Lather your hands - Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Step 4: Scrub your hands - Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
Step 5: Rinse your hands - Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Step 6: Dry your hands - Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. If possible, use a towel to turn off the tap and avoid re-contaminating your hands.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

You should wash your hands frequently, especially:

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the toilet
Before eating or preparing food
After handling animals or animal waste
After handling garbage
Whenever they look or feel dirty

Teaching the Six-Step Hand Washing Technique

To help you remember and teach the six-step hand washing technique, we've created a downloadable poster. You can print it out and display it in your home, school, or workplace. Click the button below to download the poster:

Prince William made comment about hand gel at Commonwealth service

instructions to wash hands with soap and water

Download Six-Step Hand Washing Poster

Hand Washing Myths Debunked

Let's address some common hand washing myths:

Myth	Fact
You only need to wash your hands if they're dirty.	Germs can be invisible, so it's important to wash your hands even if they don't look dirty.
Hand sanitizers are as effective as soap and water.	While hand sanitizers can be useful when soap and water aren't available, they're not as effective against all types of germs and should not be used when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
You only need to wash your hands when you're sick.	Washing your hands is important for preventing the spread of diseases, whether you're sick or not.

In conclusion, the six-step hand washing technique is a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against germs and illnesses. By understanding and practicing these steps, we can all play a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases and keeping ourselves and our communities healthy.