Hand Sanitizer — Hype or Healthy?

Growing up, we all learned the habit of washing our hands before meals. Today, we also have the option of using hand sanitizers to disinfect our hands. In fact, hand sanitizers have become so commonplace in our society that many people wonder how effective they are as compared to traditional soap and water. But do we really need hand sanitizers? Are they any more effective than soap and water? Is the hype about hand sanitizer something brought about by a strong marketing initiative — or is it really more effective?

Which Sanitizes Better?

In the long run, both hand sanitizers and soap and water kill germs and bacteria. Both methods will help reduce the transmission of cold, flu, and other illnesses. Both are effective for killing germs after handling raw meat and eggs. While soap and water will get the hands cleaner in the case of dirt or oil, hand sanitizers are extremely convenient and portable. So if both ways work just about the same, what’s the big deal?

When Should I Use Hand Sanitizer?

With cold and flu season approaching, the big benefit of hand sanitizers really shines. A quick dab on the hands before meals or after a meeting is the easiest way to stop the spread of illness. Hand sanitizers are so convenient that they are the perfect method for staying safe at work, in school, or on the go. Imagine trying to wash your hands no matter where you are after every time you come into contact with someone.

Hand sanitizers are also ideal for placement in offices, schools, and cafeterias. It is so easy to walk into a common room, grab a dollop of hand sanitizer, and then be protected from communicable germs and bacteria. It is much easier and economical to place a number of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout an office or school rather than trying to put a sink in every room!

When Should I Use Soap And Water?

Warm water and a long lather with soap is still the best way to get a deep cleaning effect. That is why you will always see surgeons and doctors scrubbing their hands before and after working with patients rather than lathering on hand sanitizer. In the same vein, commercial chefs and food handlers rely on soap and water. A long soak in soapy water is going to give the best possible results when any contamination could result in food borne illness or an infection.

For everyday use, soap and water are still preferred when available. If you are in the kitchen preparing a meal, you should use the sink and take the time to wash your hands thoroughly. After working with cleaning products or any type of household chemicals, always wash your hands. In this case, you will need a good volume of water to remove those types of substances from your hands.

Between washes, hand sanitizer gives us even more protection. It kills the germs that collect on our hands as we interact with people and things in public places.