The CDC says that many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean water. This makes it important for our little ones to have a good habit of washing their hands, starting at an early age.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
A great way to encourage this habit is to have a handwashing zone that’s easily accessible and easy to use, like those found in restaurants. Here’s how you can build a home handwashing zone for the entire family to use.
Choose the right location near high-traffic entry points
The first step is choosing the right location for your handwashing zone. Ideally, it should be near the kitchen, mudroom, or a main entry point. This mimics restaurant layouts, where these stations are positioned for convenience and visibility. Look for a spot with existing plumbing to simplify installation, such as next to a laundry sink or near a half-bath. Make sure there’s enough clearance for multiple users and easy adult supervision.
Good light is also important. Kids are more likely to follow through when the space feels clean, bright, and inviting.
Select kid-friendly faucets and controls
Choosing NSF certified utility sinks can be useful since they’re large and sturdy. In addition, choose a faucet model that’s easy for small hands to operate, such as single-lever or touchless faucets. Consider touchless options, as they’re especially effective; they reduce mess and reinforce hygiene by minimizing contact with surfaces.
Temperature control is critical, too. Set your water heater to a safe level or install an anti-scald valve to prevent burns.
The goal is to remove friction from the handwashing process. If your kids can quickly turn on the water at a comfortable temperature without help, they’ll be far more likely to wash their hands consistently.
Make soap and towels effortless to reach
Accessibility is key when you’re setting up a kid-friendly hygiene zone. You should mount soap dispensers at child height or use countertop pumps that are stable and easy to press. Foaming soap is best for kids, as it’s easier to spread and more engaging to use.
For drying, use either paper towels or dedicated hand towels. Either way, keep them within arm’s reach of the sink. Wall-mounted paper towel holders can reduce clutter, while hooks or low bars work well for reusable towels.
Try to place these items close to the sink, as dripping water across the floor creates a mess and discourages proper habits.
Control splashes and keep cleanup simple
Designing for splash control can save you time and frustration. Install a high backsplash or use water-resistant wall materials, such as tile or washable panels. A slightly deeper sink basin can also help contain water.
Consider placing a non-slip, absorbent mat on the floor to catch drips and prevent slipping. If you have space, put a small ledge or tray to hold soap and prevent puddles from forming on the counter.
Add visual cues to teach proper handwashing
You can turn your handwashing station into a built-in teaching tool by incorporating simple visual guides. Mimic restaurants with signage that’s kid-friendly.
For example, post a small chart at eye level showing steps like “wet, soap, scrub 20 seconds, rinse, dry.” You can even include fun illustrations or color-coded steps to make it engaging. For the little ones, timers (like a sand timer or a short song cue) can help them understand how long to scrub.
These cues can reduce the need for constant reminders and help children learn proper hygiene techniques in a consistent and repeatable way.
Build a fun and engaging handwashing zone
Having a restaurant-like handwashing zone can make hygiene more fun and engaging for kids. By following the above steps, you can create a station that’s intuitive, easy to use, and instills good habits for everyone in the household.
Read our other pages for more helpful tips on raising children.