Printable · Ages 3–10

Handwashing Steps Poster

A kid-height poster with the five CDC handwashing steps in simple words, plus a checklist of when to wash. Hang it by the sink.

Use it with: Handwashing for Kids, Step by Step

Original ChefSolus printable. Content checked by AI fact-check and safety passes; not reviewed by a human professional. Review method.

Ages 3–10 · Name: ______________________

Wash your hands like this

Steps based on the CDC's handwashing guidance. Hang this at your child's eye level near the sink.

Grown-ups: read each step aloud and act it out; children can draw a picture next to each step.

1. Wet
Wet your hands with clean, running water. Turn off the tap. Put on soap.
2. Lather
Rub your hands to make bubbles. Get the backs, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub
Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Hum "Happy Birthday" two times.
4. Rinse
Rinse under clean, running water until the bubbles are gone.
5. Dry
Dry your hands with a clean towel or an air dryer.

Draw yourself washing your hands

When do I wash my hands?

Before I help cook, and after
Before I eat
After I use the toilet
After I blow my nose, cough or sneeze
After I touch a pet, pet food or pet poop
After I touch garbage
After I play outside and my hands are dirty

For grown-ups: Soap and water is best. If you can't wash, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and supervise young children so they don't swallow it. Sanitizer may not work well on visibly dirty or greasy hands (CDC).