Global Handwashing Day 2026: theme and how to wash hands
Global Handwashing Day is on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Its theme is "Be a Handwashing Hero", a multi-year theme set by the Global Handwashing Partnership, which started the day in 2008 (Global Handwashing Partnership).
- Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Theme: Be a Handwashing Hero
- Organiser: the Global Handwashing Partnership
- First held: October 15, 2008
What the theme means
The partnership says anyone, "from young children to senior business and government officials", can be a handwashing hero by leading the way in their home, school, workplace or community. The idea is simple: one person who washes with soap at the right times, and reminds others to, makes everyone around them healthier.
How to wash your hands, step by step
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends five steps (CDC):
- Wet your hands with clean running water, turn off the tap and apply soap.
- Lather by rubbing your hands together, including the backs, between the fingers and under the nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to hum "Happy Birthday" twice.
- Rinse well under clean running water.
- Dry with a clean towel or let them air-dry.
When it matters most
- Before, during and after preparing food, and before eating
- After using the toilet or changing a nappy
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick, or treating a cut
- After touching animals, animal food or rubbish
Ideas for schools and workplaces
- A 20-second song. Let pupils pick or write a short song for scrubbing time.
- Glitter or paint test. Put a little on hands, wash, and see what was missed.
- Check the sinks. Make sure every handwashing point has soap and water today, and keeps it.
- Name a "handwashing hero" in each class or team to remind others before lunch.
Sources
- Global Handwashing Partnership: Global Handwashing Day
- CDC: About handwashing
- Wikipedia: Global Handwashing Day
