Teaching Hand Washing with UV Light

Students apply a special hand wash training lotion that glows under UV light, then wash their hands. Areas that were not washed thoroughly will still glow, providing a visual demonstration of the importance of using soap and washing all parts of the hands.

1. Provide each participant with a small amount of hand wash training lotion (such as GlitterBug, GermJuice, or GloGerm).
2. Have participants rub the lotion thoroughly over their hands, including around nails and between fingers.
3. Ask participants to wash their hands with water only, then check under a UV light to observe glowing areas.
4. Repeat with proper hand washing using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
5. Observe under UV light again to compare results; fewer glowing areas show improved washing.
6. Optionally, allow children to interact or play briefly before checking under UV light to see how often they touch their faces.

Kids Explain: A blacklight experiment on hand washing - The Oregonian:

How To See Germs Spread Experiment (Coronavirus) - Mark Rober:

📄 Teaching Hand Washing To Children - Using A UV Light - How We Montessori: https://www.howwemontessori.com/how-we-montessori/2020/03/teaching-hand-washing-to-children-using-a-uv-light.html

• Test washing with water only vs. soap and water.
• Compare quick hand washing with a full 20-second wash.
• Check for glowing marks on the face after playing to demonstrate how germs spread by touch.
• Use this activity in group lessons at schools or assemblies for a stronger impact.

• Ensure the training lotion used is non-toxic and safe for skin.
• Check for allergies before applying lotion.
• Supervise the use of UV lights—do not shine directly into eyes.
• Have children wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after the activity.

• What parts of the hands are most often missed when washing? (Usually around nails, between fingers, and sides of hands.)
• Why does washing with soap work better than just water? (Soap breaks down oils and helps lift microbes off the skin.)
• Why is it important to wash for 20 seconds? (It allows enough time to scrub all areas and effectively remove germs.)
• How does touching your face spread germs? (Germs transfer from hands to mouth, nose, or eyes, where they can cause infection.)