Final answer:
Soap and water are generally more effective than hand sanitizer at removing germs and preventing the spread of illnesses like COVID-19. Handwashing is especially crucial when hands are visibly dirty. Antibacterial soaps with triclosan do not provide added health benefits over traditional soap.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative when soap and water are not available, but it is not considered an all-encompassing substitute. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs, like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile.
According to the CDC handwashing recommendations, proper hand washing with soap and water eliminates germs from hands more effectively, especially when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. This may prevent the spread of illnesses including COVID-19.
The benefits of using soap and water are significant in terms of health and safety. Washing hands with soap and water has the ability to physically remove dirt, grime, and pathogens, making it more thorough than using hand sanitizer.
While hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, they do not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals.
To reduce the risk of illness, the most effective method is to wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, adhering to the steps recommended by the CDC.
It is also a common misconception that antibacterial soaps containing triclosan provide enhanced benefits. However, research indicates that washing with such antibacterial products does not offer additional health benefits over traditional soap, and there is no significant reduction in the transmission of bacteria that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.