The Fundamentals of Hand Sanitizer and Hand Washing
Amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the majority of people have been using hand cleaners and hand sanitizers to restrict the spread of germs and viruses. Although both serve the purpose of cleaning the hands, there are fundamental differences between hand washing and hand sanitizers that people should understand.
Hand Washing vs. Hand Sanitizers: A Comparison
Hand washing and hand sanitizing are both methods of cleaning the hands. Hand sanitizers are easy to use and portable, while hand washing needs access to running water and soap. Hand sanitizers kill the germs on the skin, but they do not remove dirt and soil. On the other hand, hand washing removes dirt and germs by agitating them and washing with soap and water. So, hand washing is a more effective way of cleaning the hands.
The Benefits of Hand Washing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has observed that washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. This process takes a bit longer, but it is more effective in reducing germs. This is because washing hands with water and soap removes dirt, oils, and other particles from the hands, which can harbor disease-causing germs. Therefore, make an effort to clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly if your hands are visibly dirty.
The Advantages of Using Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are an effective alternative for washing hands when soap and water are not readily available. They are easy to use as they can be carried in a pocket or a purse. Hand sanitizers are effective killers of germs with an alcohol content between 60-90%. They are relatively fast to use, and they quickly reduce the number of germs present on the skin.
The Bottom-Line
The necessary steps for maintaining cleanliness are washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. It is important to remember that handwashing is the best way to protect yourself against the spread of germs. However, when this is not possible, hand sanitizers can be an effective alternative. Nevertheless, for dealing with the COVID pandemic, thorough and frequent hand washing is necessary.
