I asked the Centers for Disease Control about soap and hand sanitizer. Below are the responses. But the “quick take by Bloomberg” link has more specifics from Professor Palli Thordarson.
Sharyl Attkisson: How long should someone wash hands?
CDC: CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The guidance for effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizer was developed based on data from a number of studies. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Sharyl Attkisson: Does hand sanitizer work to kill coronavirus?
CDC: CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. If soap and water are not available, and hands are not visibly dirty, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
….it is critical that people understand the difference between the words CLEAN…( Free from dirt, stain, or impurities; unsoiled /Free from foreign matter or pollution; unadulterated)….SANITIZED…. (made sanitary or hygienic, as by sterilizing)…and STERILE….(To make free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.). Hand washing will reduce the amount of dirt and bacteria on your hands, and even if the soap you are using contains some degree of anti-bacterial properties, it will only reduce or minimize the harmful bacteria. It is important to know that the only thing that really…”cleans”…is FRICTION. Soaps are designed primarily as …”Surfactants”….(Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants). So when you are washing your hands…first use the soap to help soften the dirt or debris…then insure that you rub your hands together aggressively…using the backward-arch of the palm of one hand to rub your finger-tips and fingernails against…and then rinse well. If you are not using hands-free washing equipment, insure you use sanitized towels to shut off the sink and / or to open bathroom doors and such, or you’ve just re-contaminated your hands. Even if your soap is anti-bacterial….or with the later addition of an anti-bacterial lotion….it is FRICTION…a good hardy rubbing and rinsing of the area is what will keep your hands clean and reduce bacteria.
….it is critical that people understand the difference between the words CLEAN…( Free from dirt, stain, or impurities; unsoiled /Free from foreign matter or pollution; unadulterated)….SANITIZED…. (made sanitary or hygienic, as by sterilizing)…and STERILE….(To make free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.). Hand washing will reduce the amount of dirt and bacteria on your hands, and even if the soap you are using contains some degree of anti-bacterial properties, it will only reduce or minimize the harmful bacteria. It is important to know that the only thing that really…”cleans”…is FRICTION. Soaps are designed primarily as …”Surfactants”….(Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants). So when you are washing your hands…first use the soap to help soften the dirt or debris…then insure that you rub your hands together aggressively…using the backward-arch of the palm of one hand to rub your finger-tips and fingernails against…and then rinse well. If you are not using hands-free washing equipment, insure you use sanitized towels to shut off the sink and / or to open bathroom doors and such, or you’ve just re-contaminated your hands. Even if your soap is anti-bacterial….or with the later addition of an anti-bacterial lotion….it is FRICTION…a good hardy rubbing and rinsing of the area that will keep your hands clean and reduce bacteria.