Hands must be clean for sanitiser to be effective
There are “significant differences” between hand sanitiser and good old soap and water. Where are the former can be helpful under certain circumstances, there are many occasions when only a proper hand wash will do, according to a recent report on the Yahoo Lifestyle website.
It compares the two hand hygiene methods. There are clearly benefits using gels in some circumstances says the article, but they cannot be used as a main line of defence against infection prevention.
The report’s author Morgan Greenwald quotes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as pointing out that there are a number of germs that hand sanitisers “can neither inactivate nor remove.” These include many notorious and frequently occurring illnesses such as norovirus, Cryptosporidium and Clostridium difficile.
Soap and water when hands are dirty
CDC advice states categorically that hand gels don’t work when hands are “visibly dirty or greasy” when covered in mud from gardening or even messy cooking in the kitchen.
“In these situations, rather than eliminating the threat, hand sanitizer will just combine with the gook on your hands and create an even bigger—and equally germ-ridden—mess.”
It is however, vitally important that hands are washed properly – for about the length of time it takes to sing “Happy birthday” twice. See the ten step hand washing video for kids below.
Hand Sanitizer or Soap and Water? This Is the Healthiest Way to Clean Your Hands »
Easy to use portable hand washing sinks for children – perfect outdoor or indoor play!
Hand washing is the most important lesson a child can learn and acquiring it is an essential lifelong skill. A Kiddiwash Xtra or KiddiSynk portable hand washing sink can be positioned right next to preschool door helping to ensure that children dramatically reduce the risk of infection as they finish play.
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
