Soap vs Hand Sanitiser: What should you use?

With the health crisis that is the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitiser is being hoarded – and rationed.

Through careful alignment with reputable manufacturers, Chempower Australian supplies hand sanitiser, and we’re proud we have been able to fulfil our usual orders. However, the increased demand for hand sanitiser has meant we have had to prioritise those clients who regularly order hand sanitiser over new orders.

But what are the benefits of soap vs hand sanitiser? The truth is, while there are situations where hand sanitiser is extremely useful, you can’t beat good old-fashioned soap and water.

Alcohol based hand sanitisers do quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but they don’t eliminate all types of germs. When used properly, hand sanitisers can be very effective. But many people do not use a large enough volume of sanitiser or may wipe it off before it’s dried.

Hand sanitisers are also not the best choice if your hands are soiled or greasy, or if your hands have been exposed to harmful chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals.

When should you use hand sanitisers?

Hand sanitisers work well in clinical settings like hospitals, where you may come into contact with germs, but you are not greasy or oily. For that reason, they are most useful for hospitals or nursing homes.

Hand sanitisers are also your go-to when soap and water is not available.

If you are using a hand sanitiser, make sure it contains at least 60 per cent alcohol, as studies have found that sanitisers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95 per cent are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

When using hand sanitiser, make sure you put enough product on your hands to cover all surfaces. Rub your hands together until your hands feel dry. This should take about 20 seconds.

Don’t rinse or wipe off the hand sanitiser before it’s dry – it may not work as well against germs.

When should you use soap?

Soap and water is the gold standard against germs, and against the coronavirus COVID-19.

Soap and water should be used

• before, during and after preparing food
• before eating food
• before and after caring for someone who is sick
• before and after treating a cut or wound
• after using the bathroom
• after changing a nappy, or cleaning up after a child who has used the bathroom
• after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• after touching an animal (including pets), their food, cage or waste
• after touching garbage
• if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

In addition, in these times of extra caution around disease control, you should wash your hands

• before and after visiting a public space
• after using public transport
• after being outdoors

Best hand washing procedures

By now, we’re all fairly familiar with the best handwashing routine, but it bears repeating.

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. The go-to song is usually the “Happy Birthday”, sung twice from beginning to end.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

About Chempower Australia

Chempower Australia is a family-owned company, manufacturing and distributing high quality chemical cleaning and hygiene solutions to industry professionals.

We develop, design and manufacture our own chemical cleaning and hygiene solutions for food service and production, health and aged care facilities & commercial laundries. Delivering compliance, efficiency and cost-savings, with a support team that’s as passionate about quality as you are.

If you would like information on how to help your business stay clean and compliant in these uncertain times, contact the team at Chempower Australia.