When should alcohol-based hand sanitizer be used?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used when soap and water are not available because it provides an effective means of reducing the number of germs on the hands when washing with soap and water is not an option. These sanitizers contain a high percentage of alcohol which can kill many types of germs effectively.

While washing hands with soap and water is the preferred method, especially when hands are visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a practical alternative for maintaining hand hygiene in settings where traditional handwashing is not feasible. The sanitizer is particularly effective against certain types of bacteria and viruses, making it a crucial tool in infection control practices, especially in healthcare settings and during public health emergencies.

Using sanitizers after using the restroom or before meals is also important, but these scenarios do not capture the primary guideline that dictates when sanitizers should be used — specifically highlighting the absence of soap and water.