Sanitizers

CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The guidance for effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizer in community settings was developed based on data from a number of studies.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in csome situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.