Life is Better with Clean Hands

Image of a woman washing hands in a bathroom and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

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


Fact Sheets


Thumbnail image of downloadable 'Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy' PDF file

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

Englishpdf icon [PDF, 412K]
Españolpdf icon [PDF – 399K]
Frenchpdf icon [PDF – 4 MB]

Social Media Posts and Graphics

Use these graphics and suggested posts to spread the word about handwashing on social media. Each graphic is available in formatting specific to Facebook (1200×675), Twitter (1200×675), and Instagram (1080×1080).

Image of a woman washing hands in a bathroom and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a man washing his hands in a kitchen and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a man washing his hands in a bathroom and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a father helping his son wash his hands and a reminder to make handwashing a family activity.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
 
 

A man washing his hands with children in a kitchen and a reminder to teach kids to do the same.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

A father helping his daughter wash her hands and a reminder for parents to wash for 20 seconds and lead by example

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Intagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a man washing his hands in a kitchen and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a mother helping her daughter wash her hands and a reminder that handwashing keeps your family healthy.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a mother helping her daughter wash her hands and a reminder to teach kids handwashing habits.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English][Español]

Close-up of a mother helping her daughter wash her hands and a reminder to lead by example when teaching handwashing.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a man washing his hands in a bathroom and a reminder that handwashing keeps you healthy.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

A man with a suitcase washing his hands in a bathroom and a reminder that handwashing keeps your family healthy.

Facebook / Twitter:
[English] [Español]
Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a woman washing his hands in a kitchen and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a mother teaching her infant wash her hands and a reminder to teach kids handwashing habits.

Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a mother helping her daughter wash her hands and a reminder to teach kids handwashing habits.

Instagram:
[English] [Español]

Close-up of a mother and grandmother teachinging her child to wash his hands and a reminder to teach kids handwashing habits.

Instagram:
[English] [Español]

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.

General
Food
Parents
  • 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
Life is Better with Clean Hands Campaign Promotion
  • 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

Web Banners

Add the banners below to your website and help promote the Life is Better with Clean Hands campaign and direct your audience to more handwashing resources. Place the graphic in the way that works best for your website.

160×600

Image of a father helping his son wash his hands and a reminder to make handwashing a family activity.

160×600

Image of a man washing his hands in a kitchen and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

160×600

Image of a woman washing hands in a bathroom and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

300×250

Close-up of a man washing his hands in a kitchen and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

300×250

Close-up of a father helping his son wash his hands and a reminder to make handwashing a family activity.

300×250

Close-up of a man washing his hands in a kitchen and a reminder to make handwashing a healthy habit.

Stickers, Window and Mirror Clings

Print window and mirror clings on white, thin plastic/vinyl film. Adhere clings to any clean dry glass surface, like windows and mirrors. The printable sticker sheet is compatible with full-sheet sticker paper (3”x5” label sheet) or standard pre-cut labels.

Stickers
Life is better with clean hands

5 x 3″ stickers, 4 per sheet, Print only
English pdf icon[PDF – 1 page]
Español pdf icon[PDF – 1 page]

Mirror Cling
Life is better with clean hands

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]

Radio Public Service Announcements

These public service announcements were developed by CDC for organizations and individuals to share with local media.

Life is Better with Clean Hands - General Public

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.

Play 15 second version >
Play 30 second version >

Life is Better with Clean Hands – Parents

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.

Play 15 second version >
Play 30 second version >

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.

For a General Audience

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.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. 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.

For Parents

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.

For People Preparing Food

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.

For Office Employees

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

Download a campaign toolkitpdf icon [PDF, print only, 12 MB] to encourage handwashing within your community throughout the year.

Page last reviewed: November 16, 2020