The Ultimate Cold & Flu Survival Guide: Never Get Sick Again!

Photo by: Naomi Abel, R29

What kills more germs, soap or hand sanitizer?

Eliminating germs is key for preventing sickness, but unfortunately, most of us don't wash our hands well enough. "When your doctor recommends hand-washing, it doesn't mean just a quick squirt of soap," Cranshaw says. "It means applying a good amount, then rubbing it on your hands for at least 20 seconds." And, forget about anti-bacterial soaps. "They're a marketing ... more 

Photo by: Naomi Abel, R29

What kills more germs, soap or hand sanitizer?

Eliminating germs is key for preventing sickness, but unfortunately, most of us don't wash our hands well enough. "When your doctor recommends hand-washing, it doesn't mean just a quick squirt of soap," Cranshaw says. "It means applying a good amount, then rubbing it on your hands for at least 20 seconds." And, forget about anti-bacterial soaps. "They're a marketing phenomenon," Dolhun says. "A regular bar of Ivory soap outperforms so-called anti-bacterial soaps."

Still, both doctors agree that hand sanitizers are more effective than soap. "Alcohol gels and hand sanitizers are the best," Dolhun says. "Put them in your purse, stash them everywhere, and use them." Look for an alcohol content level of between 60 and 70 percent, which studies have shown to be most effective in killing germs.
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