Clean - Wash Hands, Rinse Produce, and Sanitize Surfaces

Proper handwashing is important for staying clean and healthy. Handwashing with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds gets rid of germs and bacteria that may cause illness. It is best to wash your hands before and after you eat, before you cook, after using the restroom, after playing with pets, and when your hands are dirty.

Best Practice of Proper Handwashing

Additional Handwashing Information

• Wash Your Hands Fact Sheet (English)
• Wash Your Hands Fact Sheet (Spanish)
• Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy (English)
• Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy (Spanish)
• Hand Sanitizer Use

Rinse Your Produce

• Before eating, it is important to rinse your fruits and vegetables under running water.
• Use a scrub brush or rub your fruits and vegetables by hand to remove bacteria that may be on the outside skin.
• Even if you plan on cutting or peeling the skin off, produce should still be rinsed before consumption.
• Do not use soap or bleach to wash produce.
• Once rinsed, dry fruits and vegetables with a clean towel or paper napkin

For more information:

• Fight BAC! Like a Produce Pro Fact Sheet

Sanitizing Your Kitchen

Prevent the spread of germs by cleaning and sanitizing surfaces where food is prepared. 

Additional Information:

• Cleaning & Sanitizing the Kitchen Using Inexpensive Household Food-Safe Products (from Colorado State Extension)
• Kitchen Sponge Safety (from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)