For adults and teenagers, handwashing is a regular ritual that is so built into our daily lives that we don’t really give it a second thought. Whether we’ve just handled raw meat, used the bathroom, or cleaned the cat’s litter, it’s a given that handwashing is an absolute must.

However, children at preschool age still need regular guidance when it comes to handwashing, as they are still learning that regularly scrubbing those grubby little mitts is very important!

But as handwashing is so ingrained into our lives, for adults it’s just muscle memory, and it’s easy to forget exactly what the rules are. So if you need some reminding, here is some guidance on why handwashing is significant, how to talk to your children about the importance of washing their hands, when children should wash their hands, and what the correct way to wash hands is.

Let’s start with why handwashing is so important for our little ones!

Why is handwashing so important for children?

Handwashing is one of the most powerful rituals that humans carry out in their daily lives, and the first line of defence against bacteria and viruses. When hands aren’t washed, they can carry a surprising amount of dirt and grime! When it comes to young children, who are often found running around and playing in all sorts of places like parks, playgrounds, and other public areas, handwashing is especially important.

All children should be taught the proper way to wash their hands early on, so that they learn good habits that will last them a lifetime.

Next, let’s delve into the best approach to use when talking to your children about the importance of handwashing.

How to talk to your children about the importance of washing their hands

It can be tempting to delve into all the reasons why handwashing is so important. However, talking about all the germs, scare tactics or technical explanations doesn’t always work very well, especially with young children. Instead, it’s better to simplify things for your child by telling them that they must wash their hands, or they will get sick. Then, when they are a little older and have learned the habit, you can educate them about germs.

But when exactly should children wash their hands?

When should children wash their hands?

Children should wash their hands:

When they first enter a building or classroom.

After coming in from outside.

After toileting or having a nappy changed.

After playing with animals.

Before and after sensory play (sand, water, clay).

After sneezing, coughing, or blowing their noses.

Before and after meals, snacks, or food activities.

As a parent, it’s important to set a good example when it comes to handwashing. And if you need some reminding as to when you, as an adult, should wash your hands — we won’t judge you! As well as the above, remember to wash your hands:

Before and after feeding children or eating meals.

Before and after giving any medical procedures or first aid.

Before and after changing a nappy or assisting with toileting.

After handling bodily fluids (mucous, blood, vomit).

After cleaning up spills or handling the bins.

The correct way to wash hands:

As mentioned, adults will wash their hands like clockwork, and often won’t take time to consider whether they are doing it the ‘proper’ way. When washing hands, the correct advice is to:

Make sure the water temperature is less than 120 degrees but more than 60 degrees.

Moisten your hands with water and apply liquid soap to your hands.

Rub the soap lathering over your hands, between your fingers, and around and under your nail beds and fingernails. Continue to do this for at least 10 seconds.

Be sure to use liquid soap, as bar soap tends to harbour microorganisms.

Hold your hands facing downward under running water until the lather is gone.

Finish by drying your hands thoroughly with paper towels or a hands dryer.

Leave the water running while you are drying your hands.

Then use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Dispose of the paper towel in a lined rubbish bin.

Top Tip: If you are out on a trip, handwashing isn’t always the easiest task. Therefore, take steps such as using a moistened wipe and hand sanitizer to properly clean your child’s hands. Encourage your child to wash their hands when you get back to a tap with running water and soap available.

You can reinforce the importance of handwashing by reading children’s books about germs and handwashing, such as Germs Make Me Sick by Melvin Berger, Germs Are Not For Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick, or Those Mean Nasty Dirty Downright Disgusting but...Invisible Germs by Judith Anne Rice.

Fun Fact: How you wash your hands and when you wash your hands are more important than what you wash with!

Why is handwashing important for my preschooler?

Unii looks at how teaching good hand hygiene supports your child's health.