Final answer:
The most effective method for killing bacteria on hands is using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. While antimicrobial soaps can kill more bacteria than conventional soaps, they don't significantly reduce disease transmission and could promote resistance. Water alone is the least effective method.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hand Hygiene Method Efficacy
Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses. According to health guidelines and scientific studies, the most effective method for killing bacteria is using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. This is because substances like isopropanol and ethanol, which are commonly found in alcohol-based hand sanitizers, have proven properties to effectively kill bacteria and viruses.
Plain soap and water are highly effective as well, especially if the correct handwashing technique is followed - wetting hands with running water, applying soap, lathering thoroughly, and rinsing. While antimicrobial soaps may kill a few more germs than conventional soap, the ingredient triclosan has not been shown to reduce the spread of disease significantly, and its overuse might contribute to increasing the resistance of bacteria to antimicrobials. Water alone is the least effective since it does not break down the oils that harbor bacteria and viruses.
Antiseptics are suitable for use on tissues for microbial control, such as those found in some hand sanitizers, whereas disinfectants are used for inanimate objects. Frequent handwashing with soap and water or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an important behavior in reducing the spread of illnesses.