How should hand hygiene be performed when hands are not visibly soiled?

When hands are not visibly soiled, using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is the preferred method for hand hygiene. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of germs on the skin, and they work quickly to diminish the microbial load. This method is convenient and efficient, especially in settings where soap and water may not be readily accessible.

The effectiveness of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is due to the alcohol content, which denatures proteins and kills many types of germs. For optimal effectiveness, it is important that the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol, as this concentration has been shown to effectively kill a wide range of pathogens.

In situations where hands are not visibly soiled, this method is recommended over washing with soap and water, since soap and water are primarily needed when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with certain substances, such as dirt or some bodily fluids. Additionally, rinsing hands with water alone does not effectively remove germs, as it lacks the cleansing properties of soap.