While trips to the beach, park, local fairs and festivals - maybe even a night or two camping - are fine ways to relax outdoors with friends and family, don't be tempted to skip proper handwashing.

 

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Public parks may not have well-stocked or clean restrooms, and if they do, they may be located far away from where you've set up your camp, picnic table or blanket. "Don't worry," says Nancy Bock, Senior Vice President, Meetings & Education at the American Cleaning Institute®, "it's still easy to keep your family's hands clean, even on the longest of outings, as long as you've packed the right stuff. Just follow these simple tips to keep clean."

• Stock your travel bag with a "clean kit" containing a hand sanitizer, gel or a package of hand wipes, and if you're going to the coast, a small container of baby powder to help get the sand off fingers and toes.
• Keep one kit in the car, and another in your carry-on bag if traveling by plane or train. (Just remember: If you are traveling by plane, you can only carry on containers of 3 ounces or less.)
• Use the sanitizer and/or wipes before eating or drinking, even if you've just taken a dip in the lake or ocean.
• If kids are going to have a snack after spending time in the car, hand them a wipe first.
• Always remember to clean your hands first with the sanitizer or wipes before taking food out of the cooler.
• There are a variety of wipes on the market, so be sure to read the label and use products as directed.

Not only is it important to use these products frequently, but it's also key to use them correctly. The best way to use a hand sanitizer is to use one or two squirts of the product, and then rub your hands together briskly, including the front and back, between fingers, and around and under your nails until your hands are dry. Do this for yourself, as well as for children not old enough to clean their own hands.

If using wipes, wipe all areas of your hands until they are visibly clean, using as many wipes as necessary. Do this before eating, even if hands do not appear dirty. Dispose of used wipes in an appropriate trash container, and let your hands air-dry. Then feel free to unpack your picnic or pick up that burger, and enjoy! 

If you're lucky enough that your park or favorite retreat has restrooms with running water and soap, be sure to wash hands frequently throughout the day – again, taking special care before eating. To ensure a thorough handwashing, follow these simple steps:

• Wet hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub well. Don't forget the backs, between the fingers, and under nails. Again, help kids here – most seem to think that only the palms matter!
• Rub for at least 20 seconds – if you hum "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" twice, that should do it.
• Rinse under running water and dry using a clean towel, or air-dry.
  

In addition to keeping little hands clean, it's also important to keep them busy. If traveling with kids to the coast or park, make sure to give them ACI's newest activity sheet to keep them quiet and happy during the long ride. Not only will they have fun, they may even learn a little something about keeping their hands clean! Download, copy and share this activity sheet from the American Cleaning Institute website at www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/publications.aspx

 

About ACI

The American Cleaning Institute℠ (ACI - formerly The Soap and Detergent Association) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market.  ACI  members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers.  ACI and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.