Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Is it safe to use hand sanitizer instead of soap and water after going to the bathroom?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes: It is effective in killing many of the organisms that you take care of with handwashing, however, it is better to wash them for around 20 seconds making sure you get the tips as well as around the fingers if given a choice.
Answered 1/9/2013
6k views
Thank
Hand Sanitizer: It could be used but it is still not as good as handwashing with warm water, soap and proper technique for at least 20 seconds.
Answered 5/16/2020
76 views
Thank
Related Questions
People also searched for:
Is there a possibility of live sperm being on my hand after I washed with cold water and bar soap and then dried my hands with a towel. I also didnt use the bathroom for another 30 minutes after that. Could sperm have been transferred when I wiped?
Was at work and went to use bathroom. first I cleaned the toilet seat with liquid soap and tissue. then the roll of toilet paper fell in toilet. I picked it from toilet and threw it on floor then I washed my hands. can I get HIV from toilet water?
My friend used my bathroom to pee.He didn't wash his hands with soap, just water. He used my towel.Can I get infected with Hep A,B,C & other diseases?
Does handwashing with soap and water work better than hand sanitizer?
I keep seeing that the CDC recommends washing with soap and water over using hand sanitizer whenever possible. Why is soap and water preferred?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
