When Hand Sanitizer Works and When Soap Is Better

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Germs are everywhere, quickly transferring to hands and surfaces during daily activities. These germs can cause illness and spread to others without proper hand hygiene. Cleaning hands at key moments with soap and water or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is one of the most effective ways to prevent sickness.

However, there are significant differences between washing with soap and water and using hand sanitizer. Soap and water remove germs from the skin, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Hand sanitizer, on the other hand, kills certain germs but does not remove chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals. In particular, soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizer at eliminating norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile).

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Using the correct cleaning method at the right time is essential for maintaining good hand hygiene and reducing the risk of illness.

When to Use Soap and Water vs. Hand Sanitizer

Soap and Water:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating
Before and after caring for someone who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Before and after treating a wound or cut
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning a child who has used the bathroom
After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After taking out the garbage
If hands are visibly dirty or greasy

Hand Sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol):

Before and after visiting someone in a hospital or nursing home (unless the person has C. difficile, in which case, use soap and water)
When soap and water are unavailable (wash hands as soon as possible afterward)
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, if soap and water are not readily available

Avoid using hand sanitizer when hands are visibly dirty or greasy – for example, after gardening, playing outside, or handling raw food. In these cases, wash with soap and water instead.

Proper Handwashing Technique

Using Soap and Water:

Wet hands with clean running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
Lather by rubbing hands together, covering the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds – humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice can serve as a timer.
Rinse thoroughly under clean running water.
Dry using a clean towel or air dry hands.

Using Hand Sanitizer:

Apply enough sanitizer to cover all hand surfaces.
Rub hands together until completely dry (about 20 seconds).
Do not rinse or wipe hands before the sanitizer dries, which may reduce effectiveness.
Supervise young children to prevent accidental ingestion of alcohol-based sanitizer.

Hand hygiene plays a critical role in preventing illness. Knowing when and how to clean hands properly reduces the spread of germs and keeps individuals and communities healthier.

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