Hand sanitizer and hand washing are both effective ways to kill germs, but hand washing is generally considered the more effective option.
Why Hand Washing Is Often Better
- Removes more germs: Hand washing with soap and water physically removes germs and dirt from your hands, while hand sanitizer only kills germs that it comes into contact with.
- Effective against a wider range of germs: Hand sanitizer is less effective against certain types of germs, like norovirus and Clostridium difficile, which are responsible for causing diarrhea.
- Removes dirt and grime: Hand washing helps remove dirt and grime that can harbor germs, while hand sanitizer does not.
When Hand Sanitizer Is a Good Option
- When soap and water are not available: Hand sanitizer is a good alternative when you don't have access to soap and water, such as when you're traveling or out in public.
- For quick cleaning: Hand sanitizer can be used to quickly clean your hands in between hand washings.
Important Considerations
- Hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol: This is the minimum concentration needed to effectively kill germs.
- Hand washing is always preferred: If you have access to soap and water, always choose hand washing over hand sanitizer.
In conclusion, hand washing is generally the more effective way to clean your hands and remove germs, but hand sanitizer can be a useful alternative when soap and water are not available.
