What's it all about ?

Handwashing with soap and water is an incredibly important way to help keep you and your family safe from germs.

Most germs are so small that you can't even
see them, but they can cause a range of problems, ranging from stomach upsets to diseases and even death. In fact, over 3.5 million children under five die every year from diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia caused by germs.

One simple way to help stop the spread of germs is to raise awareness of the importance of washing your hands with soap and water. So, in conjunction with the Public Private Partnership for Handwashing, we co-founded the first ever Global Handwashing Day last year.

The idea was to help educate children about the importance of washing with soap and water - and encourage them to do it at home, at school and in their communities.

This year, millions of people in over 85 countries across the globe will be getting involved on the 15th October. And we want you to join in and help make it an even bigger success!

Read more about last year's event
When to wash you hands?

There are lots of everyday places where you can pick up germs. And if you don't wash your hands properly, you can spread these germs to other people - or even to yourself by touching your eyes, mouth, nose or cuts on your body.

So it's important to make sure you and your children remember to wash your hands with soap and water:

  • After coughing or sneezing
  • After going to the toilet
  • After handing animals
  • When preparing, serving or eating food
  • Before and after being with someone who is ill
  • When you've been out in public or crowded places
  • After you come home from work or school

Occasions to Handwash
How to wash your hands

Your hands may look clean when you wash them with water, but they may still have thousands of harmful germs which you can't see.

Washing with soap breaks down the hidden grease and dirt that carry most germs by helping to dislodge them - and leaves your hands smelling really nice too!

Here's what you should do:

  • Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid or a clean bar of soap. Lather well.
  • Rub your hands vigourously together for at least 20 seconds. To help you pass the time, try singing Happy Birthday all the way through twice.
  • Scrub all surfaces, including the back of your hadnds, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
  • Rinse well.
  • Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
  • Use a towel to turn off the tap.

STOP SPREADING GERMS. START SPREADING THE MESSAGE.

Tell the world about the right way to wash hands.
Join Lifebuoy in passing on this life-saving message: wash hands
frequently with soap and water to prevent picking up viruses
and germs and passing them on.
 
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