Washing your hands well and often can help you avoid illness, but it doesn't do much good if you just splash water on them. Here's how to wash your hands the correct way.

When using soap and water:

1. Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.

2. Rub hands together to make a lather, and scrub all surfaces. (Avoid placing your hands under the water while you do this, or you will wash the soap away before you're finished scrubbing.)

3. Continue rubbing hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" twice through.

4. Rinse hands well under running water.

5. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom or restroom door.

Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands. Place the hand rub in your palm, and then rub all surfaces of your hands together until they are dry. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on the skin and are fast acting.

Hand washing information is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.