Alcohol-Based Handrubs: Easy as 1, 2, 3 (2024)

This simple poster (available in two color options) shows three simple steps to cleaning hands with alcohol-based handrubs.

• Download a print version:
  Alcohol-Based Handrubs: Easy as 1, 2, 3 (PDF)

Alcohol-based handrub

Keep your hands clean!

• Use an alcohol-based handrub when your hands are not visibly soiled.
• Wash your hands with soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled.

Alcohol-based handrubs provide several advantages over hand washing with soap and water:

• require less time than hand washing
• act quickly to kill microorganisms on hands
• more effective than hand washing with soap and water
• more accessible than sinks
• reduce bacterial counts on hands
• do not promote antimicrobial resistance
• less irritating to skin than soap and water
• can even improve condition of skin

How do you use it?

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

When decontaminating hands with an alcohol-based handrub use an amount of alcohol-based handrub sufficient to cover all surfaces of hands.

1. Apply handrub to palm of one hand.
2. Rub hands together covering all surfaces of hands and fingers.
3. Rub until handrub is absorbed.

[Food handlers in restaurants, schools, deli's and grocery stores must wash their hands with soap and water before applying hand sanitizers. Minn Rules Chap. 4626.0070 - 4626.0085]

Also available in color:

• Alcohol-Based Handrubs: Easy as 1, 2, 3 (color) (PDF)