Washing Hands
⭐ MasteredWash hands with soap for 20 seconds to remove germs, especially before eating and after the toilet.
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.
Then rinse and dry them well.
Clean hands help keep you and the people around you healthy.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows germs on hands being washed away with soap and water. Watch how the germs wash down the sink as the hands are rubbed clean.
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.