Global Handwashing Day 2026

In everyday life, thorough hand washing with soap or wash lotion is sufficient for effective infection prevention in most situations. Generally, hands should always be washed before and after preparing food, before eating, after blowing your nose, after using the toilet, and before washing your face. Careful hand washing is also recommended after coming home or coming into contact with pets.

It is not only important to wash your hands, but also how you wash them: hands should be lathered thoroughly—paying particular attention to the fingertips, thumbs, and spaces between the fingers. Thorough washing should take around 30 seconds [2]. Furthermore, the temperature of the water is not a decisive factor in removing germs. Very hot water does not clean hands more effectively, but it can cause more severe skin irritation and damage [3]. Washing for longer or excessively can damage the skin, which is why additional skin care is essential [2].

Hand hygiene plays a crucial role not only for adults, but also in everyday life of children – this has become clear during the coronavirus pandemic. When teachers, pupils and kids – even those as young as preschoolers - learn how to wash their hands properly, many infection risks can be significantly reduced. Using child-friendly learning aids to teach hand-washing skills can lead to lasting improvements in hand-washing ability [4].

Take part in this important educational work: share your knowledge and the information material with both teachers and children – for better health in everyday life.

In private settings, hand washing is usually sufficient. In certain situations—such as when there are no washing facilities available, during cold season, or when in contact with people who are particularly susceptible to infection—the use of an alcohol-based hand disinfectant may be advisable [2]. Contrary to widespread belief, disinfection is gentler on the skin than frequent washing [5].

Therefore the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER has developed a poster that shows in which situations hand washing with soap or wash lotion is advisable to prevent infections – and when it is better to use a hand disinfectant.

Originally designed to meet the demanding hygiene standards of healthcare professionals, Sterillium® pure offers reliable protection wherever hand hygiene matters. Thanks to its broad approvals, excellent skin compatibility and fragrance- and colorant-free formulation, it is suitable not only for hospitals and nursing homes, but also for schools, daycare centers and other everyday settings. Furthermore, the product can be used by children under supervision to help ensure safe hand hygiene in everyday life.

One solution, trusted across all environments where effective and skin-sensitive hand disinfection is essential.