During the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitizer became a common alternative to washing your hand with soaps. It is portable and convenient, and its alcohol content can kill many types of bacteria and viruses.

Even so, experts note that washing with soap removes germs more effectively than hand sanitizer. What does the evidence say?

Advantages of Washing Hands with Soap

Hand sanitizer is an alcohol-based liquid or gel used to kill germs. Before the pandemic, it was widely used in healthcare settings to help clinicians disinfect their hands before seeing patients.

Most hand sanitizers contain more than 60% alcohol, which can sanitize and disinfect by disrupting the outer layer of bacteria and viruses so they cannot infect a host.

However, alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against some viruses with sturdier outer shells. For that reason, experts still recommend washing your hands with soap and running water to remove germs.

The benefits of washing your hands with soap and water over using hand sanitizer include:

1. More Effective at Killing Virus

Experts agree that the best way to remove germs from your hands is washing with running water and soap. When soap mixes with water, its molecules disrupt the surface membranes of bacteria and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19.

The mechanical action of lathering and thoroughly rubbing all hand surfaces helps lift away dirt, oils, and microbes so they can be rinsed down the drain.

2. Eliminates a Broader Range of Germs

Hand sanitizer can be effective in certain situations. Still, it only works well if you use hand sanitizer with certain amount and cover the hands well.

By contrast, washing your hands with a small amount of soap and water can remove more types of germs than using hand sanitizer alone.

3. Better at Removing Oils

Another advantage of soap and water is its superior removal of oils. Throughout the day, hands pick up oils from sweat, skin debris, food, and other sources.

For truly clean hands, washing with soap is more effective than relying on alcohol-based sanitizer.

4. Removes Harmful Chemicals

Although hand sanitizer can kill many microbes, alcohol does not reliably remove harmful chemicals from the skin. For substances such as pesticides, insecticides, or heavy metals, washing with soap and running water is the best choice to remove those substances.

Proper Handwashing Tips

Washing your hands with soap is generally recommended over using hand sanitizer for getting rid of germs. Yet either method will be less effective if they are done incorrectly. According to the CDC, proper handwashing includes:

• Wet hands with clean, running water.

• Lather your hands with soap and rub for 20 seconds over all surfaces, including between fingers and under nails.

• Rinse well under clean water.

• Dry your hands with a towel or use a hand dryer.

When you are washing your hands, make sure soap and water reach every surface of your hands. Avoid scrubbing too aggressively, which can irritate the skin.

If you use hand sanitizer, ensure the product contains more than 60% alcohol. Sanitizers with lower alcohol concentrations are less effective at killing germs.

Keep in mind that higher alcohol content can dry the skin, so apply moisturizer to maintain hydration. When you are using hand sanitizer, rub it over all hand surfaces until dry to ensure thorough coverage.

Looking for more information about health tips and tricks, first aid, and other home remedies? Click here!