ELIF What is the difference between hand sanitizers and hand soaps? Should they be used differently or are they interchangeable?
In: Chemistry
Sanitizers – meant to be used without water. Contains alcohol and chemicals that will kill germs and other tiny nasties. Does not generally clean hands from dirt, paint, etc.
Soap – meant for cleaning with water. Contains chemicals that bubble up to create foam. Usually glycerin based. Will clean off more than just germs.
Most hand soaps don’t kill bacteria, instead they weaken their bond to our skin/other surfaces, making it easier to wash them off along with dirt/oils etc… While hand sanitizers will kill the bacteria, but will not remove the dead bacteria and other substances from our hands.
Hand sanitizers are good in a pinch, but they can help to create super bugs as they adapt to survive through hand sanitizer.
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