As the kids head back to school now is the perfect time to teach them the importance of handwashing. Proper handwashing can help prevent your children from catching dreaded back to school illnesses such as common flu and colds. Basic hand washing includes 5 simple steps - Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, and Dry.
Back to School Handwashing 101 - 5 Simple Steps
Step 1
Turn on faucet with warm water, rinse hands, and turn off the tap
Step 2
Lather hands with soap (about a tablespoon), scrubbing in between fingers, the backs of the hands, and under fingernails
Step 3
Scrub hands for approximately 20 seconds - think of singing Happy Birthday twice
Step 4
Turn the faucet back on with warm water and rinse hands
Step 5
Dry hands thoroughly with a clean dry paper towel and use a paper towel to turn off the faucet
When To Wash Your Hands
When it doubt just wash your hands! However, here are some common scenarios when you should make sure to wash your hands:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
No Access to Running Water and Soap?
No problem! Go for hand sanitizer! According to the CDC, “Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals.”
These types of hand sanitizers can be found almost anywhere and you can even find clip on holders to attach to your child’s backpack
Have more questions about handwashing or want to learn more? Visit the CDC’s website for more information or view our article, "5 Simple Steps for Basic Handwashing".