When should I use hand sanitizers?
This page is for informational purposes and is intended to address shortages of alcohol-based hand sanitizers associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Soap and Water
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
•
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
•
After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who
has used the bathroom
•
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
•
After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal
waste
• After touching garbage
• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy
Alcohol-Based
Hand Sanitizer
•
Before and after visiting a friend or a loved one in a hospital or
nursing home, unless the person is sick with Clostridium difficile (if so, use soap and water to wash hands).
•
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
that contains at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you
can.
* Do NOT use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy:
for example, after gardening, playing outdoors, or after fishing or camping
(unless a handwashing station is not available). Wash your hands with soap and
water instead.
