The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says proper handwashing is our best first defense against dangerous germs. But how often have you been out and about with your kids only to find the soap dispenser in a public restroom empty? Or non-existent at a park or outdoor gathering?
What's a germ-conscious parent to do?
Hand sanitizer and hand wipes are good in a pinch, but they have been hard to find in the last few months, and the CDC says in many cases those products aren't as effective as simple soap and water.
So, instead of taking the risk of finding ourselves without a way to effectively wash, I found a super simple solution for my family:
Bring your own soap!
Carrying a whole bar of soap, or a dispenser of liquid soap is impractical, but it's easy to slice a bar of soap into small single-use slivers for on-the-go convenience.
What you need:
- A bar of soap (a flat-sided bar of a glycerin-based soap is best)
- A sharp knife
- A small container easy to keep in a bag or pocket (I use an Altoids container, but a plastic storage container would work well too!)
Directions:
- Slice soap thinly, then cut into small tabs that are a good size for one or two people to use before it dissolves (make it larger if you have more kids and adults you need to keep clean!).
- Store them in the container.
- Remove a piece with dry hands so the leftover pieces don't stick together.
- Wash! Having a water bottle on hand is a great way to get the soap wet for use.
By taking soap on the go, you can say goodbye to germs and hello to a little more peace of mind.
Emily Griffin Sheahan is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Flushing Queens, N.Y.
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