Why, you may ask, do we need a Global Handwashing Day to remind us to wash our hands? Because pneumonia, diarrhea and other diseases, which take the live of millions of children in developing countries every year, can be easily prevented by washing your hands with soap and water. This simple tool may save more lives than any single vaccine. It’s a good habit to have!

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to get rid of germs is to rub soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds – that’s as long as humming the Happy Birthday song twice.

 

Should you be using antibacterial soap or plain old regular soap? The CDC suggests that using antibacterial soaps in not necessary to ward off infection. In fact, some bacteria is helpful and can benefit us, so we don’t want to kill all the bacteria on our bodies. Here’s an article with more details on soap vs. antibacterial cleansers.

 

What about hand sanitizers? These waterless products appear to be handy ways to clean when soap and water is not available. But research shows that they do not significantly reduce the number of bacteria on the hands. Use them in a pinch, but wash your hands thoroughly at the first opportunity.

 

Question: Which do you use in your household: antibacterial cleaners or regular soap?