Lysol vs Hand Sanitizer vs Soap: Which is Best for Hand Hygiene?

During the ongoing pandemic, maintaining proper hand hygiene has become a top priority. Many are confused about whether Lysol, hand sanitizer, or soap is the most effective method to clean their hands. While the debate continues, it's essential to understand the correct usage and benefits of each option. This article aims to provide clarity and guidance on the best practices for hand hygiene.

The Science Behind Hand Cleaning

No matter the method chosen, the science behind hand cleaning is clear. Liquid or powdered soap, when used correctly, can disrupt and wash away viruses, including the Coronavirus. When you take a shower, you sterilize your entire outer body. Laundry detergent also sterilizes your clothes from viruses when washing them.

Lysol: Disinfectant for Surfaces, Not for Hands

Lysol is a powerful disinfectant, formulated primarily for cleaning inert surfaces. It’s an aerosol spray designed to kill germs on hard, non-porous surfaces. However, it is not suitable for use on human skin, especially not as a substitute for hand washing.

Benefits of Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are effective when they contain 60-95% alcohol. These sanitizers can reduce bacterial counts on visibly clean hands, though they won’t remove all types of germs. It is crucial to apply the sanitizer completely and allow it to dry before using your hands again. Proper usage involves applying enough sanitizer to cover your hands and ensuring it is left to dry completely.

Hand Washing: The Golden Standard

Hand washing with soap and water remains one of the simplest and most effective methods to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs. It takes about 20 seconds to wash your hands properly. Follow these steps for maximum effectiveness:

Lather your hands with soap, including the backs, thumbs, individual fingers, undernails, and palms. Continue lathering for at least 20 seconds. Thoroughly rinse your hands with clear water.

When should you wash your hands? The following situations require hand washing:

Before, during, and after preparing food. Before and after eating. After using the toilet. After touching animals. After touching garbage. Before and after tending to anyone who is sick. After changing diapers. After handling money. Much more.

In cases where hand washing is not possible, hand sanitizers can be a suitable alternative. However, they should not be used in the situations outlined above, such as before and after preparing or eating food, after using the toilet, and after touching animals or garbage.

Using Lysol Correctly

It's crucial to use Lysol as intended. Lysol was never designed to clean dermal areas or human skin. Incorrect use on skin can lead to irritation or other adverse effects.

The easiest and most effective way to remove germs from your hands is with plain soapy water. Other disinfectants may be better for different types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but they may not be as simplistic as using soapy water.

For surface cleaning, Lysol is an excellent choice. However, it is not a substitute for hand washing. Surgeons scrub their hands for 20 minutes before surgeries, emphasizing the importance of proper hand hygiene. While using Lysol for 10 seconds may seem tempting, it is not sufficient for effective cleaning.

Remember, when in doubt, always turn to hand washing with soap and water as the gold standard for hand hygiene. It is time-tested, proven, and simple to perform.