Life is Better with Clean Hands
![Image of a woman washing hands in a bathroom and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/HH-Eng-Restroom-FB-TW-8-16-19-medium.jpg)
CDC launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a new national campaign designed to motivate adults to make clean hands part of their daily lives. The campaign resources below are designed to help raise awareness about the importance of handwashing at key times in both homes and public settings, such as before cooking or after using the bathroom. Download and share them to help spread the word and encourage handwashing within your community.
Print Materials
These print-ready materials can be downloaded, printed, and distributed to help raise awareness about handwashing in public areas, such as public restrooms, kitchen and workplaces. To order FREE printed copies of selected publications, you can visit CDC-INFO On Demand.
State, tribal, local, and territorial partners can access co-brandable versions of campaign posters in the Communication Resource Center of CDC’s State Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) Collaboration Space. In the Communication Resource Center, click on “CDC Communications,” then click on “Customizable Communication Products.” Co-brandable Life is Better with Clean Hands posters are in the “Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases” folder.
Posters
![clean-hands Clean Hands Poster Thumbnail](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/clean-hands.jpg)
English (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
English (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 2.5 MB]
Español (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
Español (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 2.2 MB]
Men’s/Women’s Restroom Español Double Sided (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 2.7 MB]
![clean-hands Clean Hands Poster Thumbnail](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/clean-hands-restroom.jpg)
English (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
English (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 684 KB]
Español (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
Español (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 652 KB]
![clean-hands Clean Hands Poster Thumbnail](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/clean-hands-lead-by-example.jpg)
English (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
English (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 4.1 MB]
Español (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
Español (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 3.9 MB]
![clean-hands Clean Hands Poster Thumbnail](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/clean-hands-kitchen.jpg)
English (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
English (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 1.9 MB]
Español (8.5″ x 11″)pdf icon
Español (11″ x 17″)pdf icon
[PDF, 1.9 MB]
![wash-your-hands-campaign-thumb-small Small thumbnail of PDF for Wash Your Hands](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/posters/wash-your-hands-campaign-thumb-sml.png)
English (11″ x 17″) pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
Español (11″ x 17″) pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
French: 11×17 pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]
Arabic: 11×17 pdf icon[PDF – 1.5M]
Bengali: 11×17 pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
Chinese: 11×17 pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
Portuguese: 11×17 pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]
Urdu: 11×17 pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
Haitian Creole: 11 x 17 pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]
Fact Sheets
![Thumbnail image of downloadable 'Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy' PDF file](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/handwashing-family_thumb.jpg)
Englishpdf icon [PDF, 1MB]
Españolpdf icon [PDF – 1MB]
Haitian Creolepdf icon [PDF – 1MB]
Frenchpdf icon [PDF – 1 MB]
![Thumbnail image of downloadable 'Stop Germs! Wash Your Hands.' PDF file](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/wash-your-hands-fact-sheet_thumb.jpg)
Englishpdf icon [PDF, 412K]
Españolpdf icon [PDF – 399K]
Frenchpdf icon [PDF – 4 MB]
Sample Posts
Use the hashtag #KeepHandsClean and follow CDC’s social media accounts to like, share, or comment on content related to the Life is Better with Clean Hands campaign. You can also share CDC’s sample messages below on your social media platforms to promote the importance of handwashing.
- Germs are everywhere. Make handwashing with soap and water a healthy habit to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. https://go.usa.gov/xV9TXexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Everything you touch has germs that stay on your hands. Make clean hands a healthy habit everywhere you go so you don’t get sick. https://go.usa.gov/xV9TXexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Your hands carry germs you can’t see. Take the time to wash your hands for 20 seconds during key times to stay healthy. https://go.usa.gov/xV9Dcexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Handwashing can help prevent 1 in 5 respiratory illnesses and 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses. Learn more about the benefits of handwashing. https://go.usa.gov/xV9DRexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Stay healthy by making handwashing a regular part of your cooking routine. Wash hands to prevent spreading germs to your food and your family. https://go.usa.gov/xVNmAexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Don’t let germs ruin your food plans. Make handwashing a healthy habit while preparing food for yourself and loved ones. https://go.usa.gov/xVNmAexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Everything you touch has germs that stay on your hands. Wash your hands while preparing food so you don’t get sick. https://go.usa.gov/xVNmAexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Wash your hands often when you cook to prevent the spread of germs. Be sure to wash before preparing any food. https://go.usa.gov/xVNmAexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Handwashing can become a lifelong healthy habit if you start teaching it at an early age. Give kids frequent reminders of how and when to wash hands. https://go.usa.gov/xV9Tdexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Help your kids develop handwashing skills and make handwashing a part of your family’s daily life. https://go.usa.gov/xV9Tdexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Set an example for your children. Make handwashing part of your routine and teach kids the five easy steps for handwashing from an early age. https://go.usa.gov/xV9TPexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- When your family is healthy, you don’t have to worry about missing out on work, school, and other activities. Make sure you teach kids the key times to wash. https://go.usa.gov/xV9TPexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Handwashing is important for everyone! Learn about CDC’s new handwashing campaign and download free materials to remind people in your life about the importance of handwashing. https://go.usa.gov/xVNmzexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- Need to remind yourself or others about the importance of washing hands? Order FREE CDC posters to place in bathrooms or kitchen areas as a reminder. https://go.usa.gov/xVNmzexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
- CDC has launched a new national handwashing campaign! Learn how to make a handwashing a healthy habit in your family and keep everyone healthy. https://go.usa.gov/xVNmzexternal icon #KeepHandsClean
160×600
![Image of a father helping his son wash his hands and a reminder to make handwashing a family activity.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/parents-web-banner-english_thumb.jpg)
160×600
![Image of a man washing his hands in a kitchen and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/kitchen-web-banner-english_thumb.jpg)
160×600
![Image of a woman washing hands in a bathroom and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/HH-Eng-WomanWashing_160x600_thumb.jpg)
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300×250
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![Life is better with clean hands](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/campaign2018/clean-hands-cling-sticker.jpg)
5 x 3″ stickers, 4 per sheet, Print only
English pdf icon[PDF – 1 page]
Español pdf icon[PDF – 1 page]
![Life is better with clean hands](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/campaign2018/clean-hands-cling-sticker.jpg)
English (10″x6″)pdf icon [PDF, print only – 879 KB]
Español (10″x6″)pdf icon [PDF, print only – 990 KB]
English (5″x3″)pdf icon [PDF, print only – 864 KB]
Español (5″x3″)pdf icon [PDF, print only – 972 KB]
![Life is better with clean hands](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/handwashing-day/2020/washYourHands2020_1200x675_thumb.jpg)
5 x 3″ stickers, 4 per sheet, Print only
English pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]
Español pdf icon[PDF – 3 MB]
Radio Public Service Announcements
These public service announcements were developed by CDC for organizations and individuals to share with local media.
Running time: 15 seconds and 30 seconds
Release Date: 9/23/2019
Summary: This public service announcement encourages people to make handwashing a habit everywhere they go.
Running time: 15 seconds and 30 seconds
Release Date: 9/23/2019
Summary: This public service announcement encourages parents to wash their hands and teach kids to do the same.
Sample Newsletter Announcements
Promote CDC’s campaign Life is Better with Clean Hands and the importance of handwashing by including the announcement below in a newsletter, publication, email, or webpage. Use these sample newsletter blurbs as is or customize them for your networks.
CDC has launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a national campaign encouraging adults to make clean hands a healthy habit at home and away.
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s 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, such as a cold or the flu.
Follow these five steps every time.
- 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 on Life is Better with Clean Hands, a campaign promotion toolkit, free posters, and other resources for promoting handwashing, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
CDC has launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a national campaign encouraging parents to make clean hands a healthy habit for the whole family.
Handwashing is an easy, inexpensive, and effective way to help your family stay healthy. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu. When your family is healthy, you don’t have to worry about missing school, work, or other activities.
Help your children make handwashing a healthy habit at home, school, and play by:
- Teaching kids the five easy steps for handwashing—wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry—and the key times to wash hands, such as after using the bathroom or before eating.
- Giving frequent reminders so that handwashing becomes a habit and a regular part of your child’s day.
- Leading by example by washing your hands.
For more information on Life is Better with Clean Hands, a campaign promotion toolkit, free posters, and other resources for promoting handwashing, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
CDC has launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a national campaign encouraging adults to make clean hands a healthy habit at home and on the go.
Handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent food poisoning. Follow these handwashing tips to make sure you have clean hands when preparing food:
- Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food and before eating. Wash your hands often, especially during key times when germs can spread. Be sure to wash before preparing any food and after touching raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
- Wash your hands the right way. Wet your hands with water before applying soap. Scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after handling any food.
- Wash your hands often when you cook to prevent the spread of germs. Your hands can spread germs in the kitchen, so always wash your hands to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash hands before and after using gloves. Gloves can get contaminated with germs from your hands. Be sure to wash your hands before and after using gloves to prevent the spread of germs.
For more information on Life is Better with Clean Hands, a campaign promotion toolkit, free posters, and other resources for promoting handwashing, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
CDC has launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a national campaign encouraging adults to make clean hands a healthy habit at home and away.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness to others. Germs can spread easily in offices where employees share the same space, supplies, and equipment. CDC recommends washing hands often, especially during key times when you are likely to get and spread germs. In workplaces, these key times are before eating lunch or preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
For more information on Life is Better with Clean Hands, a campaign promotion toolkit, free posters, and other resources for promoting handwashing, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
Promote Handwashing Throughout the Year
These monthly observances provide opportunities for you to promote handwashing content on your social media, websites, newsletters, or any other communication channels throughout the year.
January-March
- Cold and Flu Season
April
- National Public Health Week
May-July
- Travel Season
August
- Back to School
September
- Food Safety Education Month
October
- Global Handwashing Day
November-December
- Cold and Flu Season
- Holiday Season
December
- National Handwashing Awareness Week
![thumbnail image of campaign toolkit](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20210120103405im_/https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/images/toolkit_thumb.jpg)
Download a campaign toolkitpdf icon [PDF, print only, 12 MB] to encourage handwashing within your community throughout the year.