Handwashing: Hands down, the best defense against germs
Hands down, the best defense against germs
A behind-the-scenes look at our handwashing policy — and why clean hands are the single most powerful tool we have to keep your children healthy every day.
How does soap actually work?
Soap isn't magic — it's chemistry, and it's remarkably clever. Soap molecules are called surfactants, which stands for "surface-active agents." Each molecule has two ends that behave very differently: one end loves water (hydrophilic), and the other end loves oil and fat (hydrophobic).
Surfactants: the tiny wrecking crew
When you lather up, soap molecules surround oily particles — viruses, bacteria, and grime — forming little spheres called micelles. The oily tails grip the pathogen; the water-loving heads face outward. When you rinse, water carries the entire micelle — and everything trapped inside it — right down the drain.
Does soap need to be antibacterial?
Nope! Regular soap is just as effective as antibacterial soap for everyday handwashing. In fact, the FDA has raised concerns that active ingredients in some antibacterial soaps may contribute to antibiotic resistance over time. Plain soap works by physically removing germs — it doesn't need to "kill" them. At Common Ground Childcare, we use gentle, non-antibacterial soap in all of our classrooms.
When we wash hands at Common Ground
Virginia's subsidy childcare standards require children to wash hands at specific points throughout the day. Here's exactly when we head to the sink — and why each moment matters.
Upon arrival
Starting the day fresh — washing away anything brought from home, the car, or the bus before joining the group.
After using the toilet or diapering
Every single time, no exceptions. This is one of the most important infection prevention moments of the entire day.
Before and after eating or handling food
Germs and snack time don't mix. We wash before meals, snacks, and any food-related activities — and again afterward.
After returning from outdoor play
Playground equipment, soil, and shared toys are prime germ territory. Washing up when we come back inside is non-negotiable.
Any time hands become visibly dirty
After sneezing or coughing into hands, touching their face, handling shared materials, or any other moment hands need a reset — we head straight to the sink.
Our 6-step handwashing technique
We make it fun — and we keep it consistent. Children at Common Ground Childcare learn this routine early and follow it throughout the day.
Sanitizer has its place — but it's not first place
Soap & water
Physically removes germs, dirt, chemicals, and viruses. Effective against norovirus and C. diff. Recommended by the CDC as the gold standard — and always our first choice at Common Ground.
Hand sanitizer
Can reduce certain germs quickly but does not remove dirt or all germ types. Used sparingly at our center — only when soap and water are genuinely not available in the moment.
As a Virginia state subsidy childcare vendor, Common Ground Childcare follows Virginia's childcare health and safety regulations. Children may not bring personal hand sanitizer to our program — this includes the small bottles that clip onto backpacks or keychains. All sanitizer used in our classrooms is staff-managed, age-appropriate, and applied only under direct adult supervision. This policy protects children from accidental ingestion and ensures proper, safe use at all times.
Young children are naturally curious — and sanitizer with high alcohol content poses an ingestion risk when unsupervised. Beyond safety, plain soap and water does the job better for most everyday situations. At Common Ground, we reserve sanitizer for the rare moment when running water isn't accessible, such as during an outdoor field trip or community outing.
