Can hand sanitizers be used as a substitute for hand washing?

Hand sanitizers cannot replace hand washing because they do not effectively remove dirt, grease, or harmful substances from hands. While hand sanitizers can be useful in situations where soap and water are not available, they should not be relied upon as a primary method for cleaning hands. Hand washing with soap and water is essential for removing certain germs, including those that may be present after using the restroom or handling food.

Hand sanitizers are more about disinfection, and their effectiveness can be compromised if hands are visibly dirty or greasy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasizes that washing hands with soap and water is the best practice, especially when it comes to food safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, while hand sanitizers have their uses, they do not fulfill the role of thorough hand washing in maintaining proper hygiene standards.