According to the Global Handwashing Partnership, germs that can cause diseases lodge in dirt, grease, and the natural oils on hands. Water alone does not dislodge them, but soap helps break down germ-carrying oils. It makes no difference whether you opt for bar soap or liquid soap, as long as you’re washing with more than just water. Soap facilitates rubbing and friction which can remove germs from the hands, before being rinsed away with water.
Public health experts recommend the following steps to get it right:
- Wet hands with water
- Lather with soap or liquid handwash
- Scrub well, including palms, back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the fingernails, for about 20 seconds,
- Rinse well with clean, running water
- Dry with a clean towel or by air
There is a wide range of bar soaps and liquid soaps to choose from. Some even have germ protection for extra confidence and peace of mind. Lifebuoy carries a wide selection of bar soaps but if you prefer liquid wash, Lifebuoy Total 10 Handwash is a good bet. It is a liquid hand soap, which protects against 99.9% of germs, but is still gentle on the skin.