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Washing Hands

Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds to remove germs, especially before eating and after the toilet.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Singing "Happy Birthday" twice takes about 20 seconds.

All about Washing Hands

Washing your hands with soap and water removes germs that could make you ill. Wet your hands, rub soap all over them, including the backs, between the fingers and under the nails, and scrub for about 20 seconds, which is roughly the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

Wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, after playing outside, after sneezing or coughing and after touching animals. Dry them well with a clean towel, because damp hands can spread germs more easily.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Washing Hands

  • Stopping colds and stomach bugs spreading at school
  • Keeping food safe when preparing a snack
  • Protecting others when you have a cough

Frequently asked questions about Washing Hands

Is hand sanitiser as good as soap?

Soap and water is best, especially when hands are visibly dirty. Alcohol-based sanitiser helps when water is not available.

How often should I wash my hands?

Whenever they might be dirty, and always before eating and after the toilet.

Why does soap work?

Soap breaks down the oils and dirt that germs stick to, and rinsing washes them away.