Last Updated on October 9, 2025 by Michael Smith
Did you know that people don’t wash their hands correctly 97 percent of the time? This is especially true in commercial buildings with dirty doors and desks, where the importance of janitorial services is neglected.
If you’re wondering whether your hand-washing technique is correct, you might want to review your approach to sanitizing.
In this blog, we’ll compare the difference between hand washing and hand sanitizing and determine the big difference between the two.
Hand Sanitizing
Hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative to hand washing if a sink with soap and water isn’t available. It acts quickly and dries fast, so it’s the go-to cleaning method for many. But be careful. Sanitizing your hands won’t eliminate all germs. Yes, it will neutralize some hazardous substances and reduce the number of microbes, but germs still live in your hands. Also, it doesn’t destroy metals and chemical residues.
Not all hand sanitizers are efficient enough to kill every germ. Experts recommend hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol concentration for minimum efficiency. Ideally, you want it to be 95% alcohol-based. So, check the product label next time you carry a tiny squeeze bottle of hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizer can be a serious health problem if not used correctly. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes them as nonprescription drugs that should be kept away from heat and flames. On top of that, many don’t even know the correct application process for hand sanitizers. Here’s how to properly apply hand sanitizer:
- Apply the hand sanitizer to the palm of 1 hand, not too quickly nor too wobbly
- Cover the entire head surface
- Rub your palms together for around 20-30 seconds. Wait until they’re completely dry.
Sanitizing is a good option if you don’t have a sink and soap nearby. However, it can never replace routine handwashing.
Hand Washing
Frequent and deep handwashing is a timeless classic. Regular hand washing with soap and water is far better than hand sanitizers, as it precisely eliminates a range of germs. If your palms appear greasy or soiled, washing them for at least 20 seconds is the way to go.
Hand washing isn’t something that you should only do after eating or using the toilet. You must wash your hands whenever you’re storing food items, playing with animals, throwing garbage, or after coughing and sneezing in your palms or blowing your nose. Otherwise, you’re exposing yourself to 400+ harmful types of germs!
Furthermore, evidence suggests that individuals tend to touch their faces 23 times per hour. You can’t get rid of these unconscious movements quickly, so cautious handwashing is a must.
Do You Have a Proper Handwashing Technique?
All washing elements are equally important. Experts suggest scrubbing for about 20 seconds, applying enough soap to emulsify dirt, and lathering well. You don’t need super-hot water, as room temperature works fine.
A quick rinse won’t do it. It’s essential to clean your hands deep, with the most attention to areas like nail beds, between fingers, and palms. And don’t worry if you don’t have antibacterial soap at hand. Even plain soaps available in public settings do their job efficiently.
Southwest Building Maintenance: Your Go-to Janitorial Service Provider in Tucson, Arizona
Washing your hands whenever possible is the best approach to avoid infections. If you’re in a setting where you can’t access soap and water and you have to use a hand sanitizer, make sure it has at least 70% alcohol. But the best way to protect yourself from infections is staying in a clean place in the first place.
If you want to experience a new level of cleanliness in your office, SBM is your go-to commercial janitorial services provider. Our team adheres to the safety guidelines and knows the common cleaning products you should never mix.
With services ranging from commercial window cleaning, office cleaning, day porter, and pressure washing, we’ll create a tidy and well-maintained workspace for your personnel.
Get in touch today, and enjoy the perks of a clean and healthy environment!