When we think of good hygiene, we often think washing our hands regularly with either hand sanitizer or soap and water to do the trick. However, how do you know which is better or is there even a difference between the two?

Well, here are some facts provided through research and from the Center of Disease Control regarding the differences between hand washing with soap and hand sanitizer.

Below are some links that favor washing with antibacterial soap claiming better results than hand sanitizer.  Here is a link to the CDC on when to use soap vs  hand sanitizer.  They say to use hand sanitizer when soap is not available, then afterwards still wash with soap and water as soon as possible.  Click Here for the article.  

The next link is from an article  soon to be published in the Journal of Hospital Infection summarizing that soap and water is superior to hand sanitizer.  Click Here for the article

Below are guidelines from the CDC on how to wash your hands with soap. 

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Here are the guidelines from the CDC for proper use of hand sanitizer ( over 60% alcohol content ) if soap is not available. 

        1. Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).

        2. Rub your hands together.

        3. Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around              20 seconds.

So if you have a choice, tried and true soap gets top honor as best for disinfecting hands.  

Health care professionals agree that one of the most common ways COVID -19 spreads is by picking up the virus on your hands and then touching your face.  Wash your hands OFTEN!