A close-up shot captures an adult carefully applying soap onto a child's hands. The hands are wet and covered in white soap.

Have 20 seconds? Here’s why handwashing matters

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Good health isn't built on one big decision. It's often the result of small habits we practice every day.

One of the simplest is handwashing.

That's why Global Handwashing Day on Oct. 15 highlights the important role clean hands play in helping prevent illness and protecting the people we care about most.

Whether you're heading to work, preparing a meal, caring for a loved one or simply going about your day, clean hands can help protect your health and the health of those around you.

Why is handwashing important?

Handwashing may seem simple, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it's one of the best ways to help prevent illness and keep germs from spreading.

Part of the challenge is that germs are often spread in ways we don't think about:

Many germs are invisible, which means your hands can look clean while still carrying them.
People frequently touch their eyes, nose and mouth without realizing it, giving germs an easy way to enter the body.
Germs from unwashed hands can spread to food, drinks and shared surfaces.
You don't have to be sick to spread germs to someone else.

The good news? Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest ways to help stop the spread.

And it takes only about 20 seconds.