This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

1. To assess the effectiveness of rinse‐free hand washing for reducing absenteeism due to illness in preschool and school‐aged children compared to no hand washing, conventional hand washing with soap and water or other hand hygiene strategies.

2. To determine which rinse‐free hand washing products are the most effective (if head‐to‐head comparisons exist) and what effect additional strategies in combination with rinse‐free hand washing have on the outcomes of interest.