Handwashing Cheat Sheet Printable (Great For Teaching Kids!)

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This handwashing cheat sheet printable is a great way to teach your kids the importance of hand washing and good hygiene.

Why is it so hard to convince young kids to wash their hands? I mean, come on.. right?! Many parents struggle with this particular lesson is personal hygiene. Next to flushing the toilet, it seems handwashing was the most difficult habit to teach our daughter when she was a toddler and preschooler.

And handwashing is such an important skill. Apart from the fact that it is so gross to have dirty hands… during cold and flu season, handwashing is literally the difference between life and death for so many people. Sorry for being dramatic… but this lesson couldn’t be more clear than recently.

So, how do you teach handwashing to kids?

I love this printable handwashing cheat sheet precisely because it breaks down why and how to wash hands in a very clear but comprehensive manner.

Handwashing steps

Wet hand and apply soap.
Wash hands palm to palm.
Back of hands.
Between fingers.
Focus on thumbs.
Fingernails.
Focus on wrists.
Rinse well.
Dry hands with paper towels.

When to wash your hands

I love that this cheat sheet also educates kids on all the times they should be washing their hands. Times like:

When you leave the house
When you enter the house
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose
Before and after handling food
Before eating
After touching an animal
After teaching garbage or dirt
Before and after treating a cut/wound

What should you not do to promote good hygiene

Don’t:

Touch eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects

Download Handwashing Cheat Sheet Now for FREE!

This is a great resource you can print out and hang on your refrigerator, in an office, or in a classroom. Even though it is simple enough for kids to understand, it is also a great reminder for adults.

Download the handwashing cheat sheet printable here.

Or, click on this photo to download!