When should soap and water be used for hand hygiene?

Soap and water should be used for hand hygiene when hands are visibly dirty. This is because soap and water effectively remove dirt, organic material, and certain pathogens that may not be sufficiently eliminated by hand sanitizers. Antiseptic hand rubs are effective for reducing bacterial counts but may not adequately clean heavily soiled hands, as they do not have the mechanical action that scrubbing with soap and water provides. In situations where there is visible dirt or contamination, the thorough cleansing properties of soap and water are essential to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of infections. Using soap and water in these instances is critical for maintaining a safe and clean environment, particularly in healthcare settings where the risk of infection transmission must be minimized.