LEARN · PRACTISE · DISCOVER
Wash Hands to Keep Them Clean
Our hands touch toys, books, door handles, food, and many other things. Washing hands with soap and water helps remove dirt and germs. Today you will practise when to wash and how to do it well.
When should we wash?
Wash hands before eating or helping with food. Wash after using the toilet, after blowing your nose, and when your hands look or feel dirty. After playing outside or touching an animal, ask an adult whether it is time to wash.
Some germs are too small to see
Germs are tiny living things. Some can make people sick, and we cannot see them just by looking at our hands. Clean-looking hands may still need washing. Soap and water help lift dirt and germs so they can be rinsed away.
Follow the handwashing steps
First, wet your hands with clean water. Add soap and rub your palms together. Rub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and around your fingertips and nails. Rinse the soap away with clean water. Dry your hands with a clean towel or an air dryer.
Example before snack time
Amir comes in from the playground and is ready for a snack. His hands look clean, but he washes them with soap and water. He rubs between his fingers, rinses, and dries them. Then he asks an adult if he can help set the table.
Make it part of a routine
At home or school, a grown-up can help you reach the sink and use the soap. If soap and water are not available, tell an adult and follow their directions. Hand sanitizer may be used in some situations, but young children should use it with adult help and must not swallow it.
Wash gently. You do not need to scrub so hard that your skin hurts. If your hands become sore or very dry, tell a trusted adult. They can help choose what to do next.
Key takeaways
- Wash before eating and after using the toilet.
- Use soap and water and rub all parts of your hands.
- Rinse and dry your hands after washing.
- Ask an adult for help when supplies or access are difficult.
Practice
Put these steps in order: rinse, wet hands, rub with soap, dry hands.
Answer: Wet hands, rub with soap, rinse, dry hands.
THE CURIOSI · EXPLORE & TRY
Wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry
Explore the everyday routine together. Open each numbered card for a little help.
1Before you begin
Wash before eating and after using the toilet, blowing your nose or touching animals. Ask an adult for help reaching the sink.
2Clean every part
Lather with soap. Scrub palms, backs, between fingers and under nails for at least 20 seconds.
3Finish the wash
Rinse under clean running water. Dry with a clean towel or an air dryer.
Open each card and practise explaining the routine in your own words.
For adults: CDC handwashing guidance.
Quick check · 3 questions
Choose one answer for each question, then check. Practice results stay on this page and do not change course completion.
Read the answer explanations
- Clean-looking hands can still carry germs. Wash before eating.
- CDC recommends scrubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse the soap away, then dry with a clean towel or air dryer.
Choose an accessible way to join in: talking, pointing, drawing or practising with adult support. This is learning practice, not a health assessment.