Learning how to wash your hands is simple and fun with our hand washing infographic. This free printable provides visual cues to remind your little one to practice the good hygiene habit of hand washing.
Developing strong hygiene routines is a valuable life skill that begins in early childhood. Teaching children how to wash their hands properly not only helps keep them healthy, but also empowers them to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. By turning the learning process into a fun and engaging activity, families can help make hand hygiene a positive daily habit.
Good hygiene supports physical health, prevents the spread of illness, and helps children build an early understanding of personal responsibility. Even the youngest children can begin learning how to care for themselves and their environment through small daily actions like hand washing.
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How To Guide:
- Wet your hands.
- Add soap and scrub for 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands and turn off the tap.
- Towel or air-dry your hands.
- Repeat throughout the day.
For younger children, you may wish to demonstrate each step slowly while speaking clearly. Repetition and routine will help them remember what to do. Encouraging children to wash both the front and back of their hands, between their fingers, and under their nails is important for building a complete hygiene routine.
You can also explain why soap is important and how it helps remove germs that cannot be seen. Helping children understand the ‘why’ behind the habit can increase their willingness to follow through independently.
If your child is still learning to count, you can time the scrubbing step together by singing a short song such as ‘Happy Birthday’ twice. This makes the process fun and reinforces how long 20 seconds should feel.
When To Wash Hands
- Before and after meals
- After playing outdoors
- After playing with friends
- Before and after going to school
- After going to the toilet
- After coughing or sneezing
- After touching eyes, nose or mouth
- After touching animals
- After touching dirty items or surfaces
You can create a small visual checklist to place near the sink at home or in your child’s backpack to help remind them of these important times. Keeping hygiene posters at child height supports independence and acts as a friendly prompt throughout the day.
Consistent reminders can help form strong habits. Consider linking hand washing to transitions throughout the day such as arriving home, starting meals, or finishing playtime. The more naturally hand washing is integrated into routines, the easier it becomes for children to remember on their own.
It can also help to model the behaviour yourself. When parents and caregivers demonstrate regular hand washing and explain why it matters, children are more likely to follow along. Turn it into a shared moment and praise your child for remembering to wash their hands on their own.
Tip: Sing along to a song of your choice for some added fun!
Hand washing can be turned into an enjoyable ritual rather than a chore. You can use coloured soaps, bubbles, or silly rhymes to keep children engaged. Some families even use reward charts or stickers to encourage consistency. With enough practice, hand washing will soon become second nature.
Other Resources:
How to talk to children about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Be a Soapy Hero – Better Health Victoria
Personal Hygiene for Children – Health Direct
These resources offer additional tips and guidance to help support your child’s understanding of personal hygiene. They can also be helpful tools for reinforcing messages at home or in early learning settings.
By integrating hygiene education into your family’s daily rhythm, you are supporting your child’s independence, health, and sense of responsibility. It is a small step with big long-term benefits.