Hey, kids! Did you know that washing your hands is super easy and is a way to help keep yourself and your family healthy. Washing your hands is your Superpower!

Your hands touch thousands of things every day—doorknobs, toys, playground equipment, pets, and even other people’s hands. Some of those things might have invisible germs on them that can make you sick. But guess what? By simply washing your hands the right way, you can stop those germs from spreading and keep yourself and others safe.

 

Why Is Handwashing Important?

Every day, we use our hands for everything—playing, eating, writing, high-fiving our friends, and even hugging our family. But while we’re busy having fun, tiny germs can sneak onto our hands without us even noticing. These germs can cause colds, flu, stomach aches and other icky illnesses.

Why does washing your hands matter?  Nobody likes being sick.  Washing your hands helps remove the dirt, bacteria and viruses that can make people sick.

  • Germs travel fast! If you don’t wash your hands, you might spread germs to your food, your face, or other people.
  • Your friends, family, and teachers will be grateful when you wash your hands because it keeps them safe too.
  • The best part? Handwashing is an easy and fun way to stay strong and healthy. Just add water, soap, and 20 seconds of scrubbing can make you a Handwashing Hero!

 

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

  • Before Eating – Whether you’re having a snack or a full meal, always wash your hands before touching your food.
  • After Using the Bathroom – Bathrooms have a lot of germs, so always wash up after you go.
  • After Playing Outside – Dirt and germs from the playground or backyard can stick to your hands. Wash them off before coming inside.
  • After Coughing or Sneezing – If you sneeze into your hands or use a tissue, wash up to stop germs from spreading.
  • After Touching Animals – Whether it’s your pet or a friend’s pet, animals can carry germs too! Wash your hands after petting them.
  • After Touching Trash – Garbage cans and wastebaskets hold a lot of bacteria. Always wash up after taking out the trash or picking up litter.
  • Whenever Hands Look Dirty – If your hands look or feel sticky, grimy, or messy, wash them right away!

 

What’s the Best Way to Wash Your Hands?

Washing your hands isn’t just about running them under water for a second.  To get rid of all the germs that could be on your hands, follow these five easy steps.

  1. Wet Your Hands – Turn on the faucet and get your hands really wet with clean, warm water.
  2. Lather Up with Soap – Use soap and rub your hands together to make bubbles. Be sure to cover the front, back and between your fingers.
  3. Scrub for 20 Seconds – Keep scrubbing! A good trick is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, the ABC song, or even a fun handwashing song.
  4. Rinse Well – Wash all the soap and germs off under clean running water.
  5. Dry Your Hands – Use a clean towel or air dryer to dry your hands.

 

Be a Handwashing Hero!

Washing your hands isn’t just about keeping yourself clean—it’s about protecting everyone around you.

So, the next time you’re about to eat, after playing outside, or when your hands feel dirty, remember: soap, scrub, rinse, and dry! You can even remind your friends and family to wash their hands too.

By washing your hands, you’re not just a kid—you’re a Handwashing Hero!