From the Guidelines
False. When your hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are actually the preferred method for hand cleaning, not soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are more effective at killing germs quickly, are less time-consuming (taking only 20-30 seconds versus the 40-60 seconds needed for proper handwashing), and are generally less irritating to skin with repeated use. They also don't require access to running water or hand-drying facilities, making them more convenient in many healthcare and public settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends alcohol-based hand sanitizers (containing at least 60% alcohol) as the primary hand hygiene method in most clinical situations when hands are not visibly dirty, as stated in the guidelines for hand hygiene in health-care settings 1. Some specific situations, such as caring for patients with certain infections like C. difficile, may require soap and water for hand hygiene, as noted in the clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults and children 1. However, in general, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the preferred method for hand cleaning when hands are not visibly soiled, due to their effectiveness and convenience. Key points to consider include:
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against most germs and are less time-consuming than handwashing with soap and water.
- Soap and water is preferred when hands are visibly soiled or when caring for patients with certain infections.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends alcohol-based hand sanitizers as the primary hand hygiene method in most clinical situations.
- Clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection recommend soap and water for hand hygiene in certain situations, such as outbreaks or hyperendemic settings 1.
From the Research
Hand Hygiene Methods
- When hands are not visibly soiled, the preferred method to clean hands is a topic of discussion among researchers.
- Studies have compared the effectiveness of soap and water versus alcohol-based hand rubs for removing various microorganisms, including Clostridium difficile spores.
Effectiveness of Soap and Water
- A study published in 2009 found that hand hygiene with soap and water is superior to alcohol rub and antiseptic wipes for removal of Clostridium difficile 2.
- Another study published in 2010 found that hand washing with soap and water is significantly more effective at removing C. difficile spores from the hands of volunteers than are alcohol-based hand rubs 3.
- A study published in 2017 found that soap and water was more effective than alcohol-based handrub in removing C. difficile spores from the hands of patients 4.
Effectiveness of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs
- A study published in 2009 found that alcohol-based hand cleansers can be an effective alternative to soap and water in the clinical dental setting 5.
- A study published in 2021 found that alcohol-based hand sanitiser may be more effective than soap and water in preventing the transmission of acute respiratory infections in the community 6.
Conclusion on Preferred Method
- Based on the available evidence, when hands are not visibly soiled, soap and water may be the preferred method for cleaning hands, especially in cases where contact with C. difficile is suspected or likely 2, 3, 4. However, alcohol-based hand rubs may be more effective in other situations, such as in the clinical dental setting or in preventing the transmission of acute respiratory infections 6, 5.