Final answer:
Cleaning with soap and water followed by rinsing will substantially reduce the number of bacteria by breaking down oils and grime that harbor microbes and disrupting the lipid bilayer of microbes, which helps to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cleaning with soap and water and rinsing with clean water will substantially reduce the number of bacteria. Soap acts as a surfactant that emulsifies oils and breaks down dirt, grime, and microbes that are not water-soluble. Soap molecules have two ends: a hydrocarbon tail that dissolves in oil and grease and an ionic head that is water-soluble. When lathered and combined with water, soap molecules form micelles around oil and grease particles, which are then washed away, reducing the presence of bacteria in the process. In addition, the mechanical action of hand washing helps to physically remove pathogens from the skin.
Proper hand washing is crucial in preventing the spread of pathogens. Soap not only cleans but also disrupts the lipid bilayer of microbes, leading to their destruction. Therefore, regular cleaning and rinsing with soap and water will not eliminate all pathogens but will substantially reduce the bacterial load, making it an essential practice for maintaining health.