Making Handwashing a Habit for Children – UNICEF

Handwashing is one of the simplest, most affordable, and most effective ways to protect your child from illness. By encouraging regular handwashing, you can help your child stay healthy and build a lifelong habit that prevents the spread of harmful germs.

Here are five practical tips to help make handwashing second nature for your child:

1. Explain Why Handwashing Matters

Help your child understand that handwashing protects them—and others—from germs that can cause illness. Even though germs are too small to see, they’re often present on our hands and surfaces we touch.

Compare handwashing to other daily habits like brushing teeth or eating healthy. It’s not just a routine—it’s an essential part of staying well.

2. Teach the Right Technique

A quick rinse isn’t enough. Show your child how to wash their hands thoroughly to remove all traces of bacteria and viruses. Use these five simple steps:

I. Wet Hands with Clean, Running Eater.

II. Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces.

III. Scrub for at least 20 seconds—don’t forget the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.

IV. Rinse hands well under running water.

V. Dry with a clean towel or single-use paper towel.

3. Make Timing Easy and Fun

Handwashing should take at least 20–30 seconds. A helpful trick? Sing the full “Happy Birthday” song twice while scrubbing!

If using hand sanitizer, choose one with at least 60% alcohol. Rub it in for 20 seconds—making sure to cover all surfaces. Keep in mind: hand sanitizer can be harmful if swallowed, so always supervise young children during use.

4. Set Routine Times for Handwashing

Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly throughout the day, especially:

When hands are visibly dirty

Before and after meals

After using the toilet

After touching animals or pets

After sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose

Creating consistent handwashing times helps reinforce the habit.

5. Make It a Fun Family Routine