# Wash Hands to Keep Them Clean

- Link: https://thecuriosi.com/lessons/handwashing-habits/
- Published: 2026-10-31T23:04:13+05:30
- Author: MAHENDRA MANCHIKALAPATI

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 2. [Healthy Habits for Kids](https://thecuriosi.com/courses/healthy-habits-kids/)
 3.  Lesson 1 of 6

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.

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