Tips for effective handwashing
1. Wet your hands with warm running water. Avoid hot water,
which can dry your skin.
2. Apply liquid or foam soap. Bar soap should never be used
since it can harbour germs.
Why?
3. Rub the soap vigorously into a lather over all surfaces of
your hands. Continue washing for 15 to 20 seconds in order
to remove germs. Pay special attention to your fingertips,
the area under your nails, between your fingers, on the
backs of your hands, and the base of your thumbs.
When?
4. After 15 to 20 seconds of cleaning, rinse your hands well
under warm running water. Make sure you’ve rinsed off all
soap to remove germs and help prevent skin irritation.
Handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the
transmission of infections and diseases.
It’s important to encourage children to wash their hands:
•when they arrive at the daycare
•when their hands are visibly soiled
•before eating or drinking
•after playing outdoors
•after a diaper change, or using the bathroom or potty
•after wiping their nose with their hand or a tissue
•after coughing or sneezing
•before or after water play
•after playing with pets or other animals
5. Dry your hands well with a paper towel. Pat them dry,
instead of rubbing them, to help prevent chapping.
6. Turn off the water taps using the paper towel to avoid
re-contaminating your hands, and then throw the paper
towel into the garbage.
Tips for younger children
•Children learn by example! Let them observe good
handwashing habits from the adults who care for them.
•Choose fun-themed hand soaps and supplies.
•Always use disposable towels.
•Put up a chart with the children’s names and have them put a
sticker on each time they properly wash their hands.
•Safety comes first, so be sure that
children understand the difference
between hot and cold water on a
faucet and that hands should always
be wet with warm water before
applying soap.
Hand sanitizers (under adult supervision)
Hand sanitizers should only be used if NO visible dirt is present
on the hands. To use, apply sanitizer onto your hands (about the
size of a loonie). Rub your hands together and cover all areas
of the hands, including under the nails. Continue rubbing your
hands until they’re dry.
For how long?
Created and produced by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit © 2010
031-0440b
ID-6264-B (10)
Most kids think that sticking their hands under
15
a faucet of running water for a few seconds
to
20
will do the trick. However, they need to
lather up for at least 15 to 20 seconds to
SECONDS
ensure that their hands are properly cleaned. is all it takes!