Safekipedia

Hand washing

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A young boy learning proper handwashing techniques with supervision — an important health practice!

Hand Washing

Hand washing is a simple way to keep your hands clean. You wash your hands with soap and water to remove tiny germs that can make you sick. It is very important to wash your hands at certain times, like before eating or after using the toilet.

There are easy steps to follow when washing your hands. First, wet your hands with water. Next, use soap and rub your hands together, making sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails. Scrub for about 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to sing a short song. Then, rinse your hands well and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Washing your hands helps stop many sicknesses. It is a good habit that keeps everyone healthy, especially children and people who are sick. In schools and hospitals, hand washing is very important to prevent germs from spreading.

When you cannot use soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. But remember, soap and water work best, especially when your hands are dirty.

Hand washing has been important for a long time. Doctors learned a long time ago that washing hands can help stop sickness. Today, it is a habit that people all around the world practice to stay healthy.

Images

A hand washing station with sanitizer dispensers in a hospital, reminding us to stay clean and healthy.
Diagram showing the proper way to disinfect your hands according to safety standards.
A young student in Ghana washing their hands with soap and water during the COVID-19 pandemic—a good practice for staying healthy!
A nurse demonstrates a smart hand washing device to help keep hands clean and healthy.
A handwashing station in Rwanda, built to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by promoting good hygiene.
A fun and colorful comic showing the proper way to wash your hands — a great tip to stay healthy!
A photo showing handwashing stations in schools to promote good hygiene practices.
A sign inside a Washington, DC metro station reminding people to wash or disinfect their hands during the pandemic.

Related articles

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Hand washing, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.