[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/hand-washing-vs-hand-sanitizer\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/hand-washing-vs-hand-sanitizer\/","headline":"Handwashing vs. Hand Sanitizer","name":"Handwashing vs. Hand Sanitizer","description":"Your hands play a big part in the transmission of bacteria and viruses, so proper hand hygiene is one way we can all work to prevent the spread of illness When it comes to cleaning your hands, you have two effective options: Handwashing and hand sanitizer. But which choice is best? Proper Hand Hygiene: Handwashing […]","datePublished":"2014-01-07","dateModified":"2021-11-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","name":"Urgent Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urgent-care","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urgent-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/hand-washing-vs-hand-sanitizer.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/hand-washing-vs-hand-sanitizer.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/hand-washing-vs-hand-sanitizer\/","about":["Safety"],"wordCount":332,"keywords":["cold","flu season","hand hygiene","hand sanitizer","hand washing"],"articleBody":"Your hands play a big part in the transmission of bacteria and viruses, so proper hand hygiene is one way we can all work to prevent the spread of illnessWhen it comes to cleaning your hands, you have two effective options: Handwashing and hand sanitizer. But which choice is best?Proper Hand Hygiene: Handwashing 101The best, most effective way to clean your hands is by handwashing with soap and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).With handwashing, technique is key. You should run your hands under clean water, apply soap, and rub your hands together for a minimum of 20 seconds. Make sure to get in between your fingers, the backs of your hands, and under your fingernails.Want a trick? Try singing the ABCs from start to finish before you rinse your hands. When you\u2019re done, you can either use a clean\u00a0towel or air dry your hands.Proper Hand Hygiene: Hand Sanitizer 101If you do not have access to soap and clean, running water, hand sanitizer is a great alternative. When selecting a hand sanitizer, be sure that it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Non-alcohol based and sanitizers with less than 60 percent alcohol concentration have proven to be less effective at killing germs.When applying hand sanitizer, use at least a half of a teaspoon, or enough that it takes about 20 seconds for your hands to dry while rubbing them. It is also important to note that hand sanitizers do not kill all types germs.Handwashing and Hand SanitizerWhen you have the option, handwashing should always be your first choice. Although both handwashing and hand sanitizer are great methods to keep your hands clean, it is important to keep in mind that hand sanitizer is not a replacement for soap and water, but rather, an alternative if you do not have the resources to wash your hands. Editor's Note: This video was originally published on January 7, 2014, and was last reviewed on April 21, 2021."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Handwashing vs. Hand Sanitizer","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/hand-washing-vs-hand-sanitizer\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]