Soap and water are always the first choice for hand hygiene; hand sanitizer is a practical option when you cannot reach soap and water and your hands are not visibly dirty. Wash your hands when they are dirty or greasy, before eating and after using the toilet. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the same order for everyday hand hygiene. The table below sums up which to choose and when.
In the announcement of its community hand hygiene guidelines, WHO recommends washing all surfaces of the hands with plain soap and water and rubbing them thoroughly. When hands are not visibly dirty, it names alcohol-based hand rubs as an alternative.
CDC’s handwashing guidance also puts soap and water first. If soap and water are not available, it recommends a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. CDC’s hand sanitizer facts page notes that sanitizers may not work well when hands are heavily soiled or greasy.
| Situation | First choice | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hands visibly dirty or greasy | Soap and water | Sanitizer does not replace washing here. |
| Before eating, after the toilet | Soap and water | Plan your routine around a sink. |
| On the go, on public transport, no sink; hands look clean | Hand sanitizer | Follow the amount and instructions on the label; wash at the next chance. |
| Times when alcohol is not wanted (frequent use, sensitivity to smell) | Soap and water | If there is no sink, alcohol-free products are an option; check the license and intended use. |
The table is not a product efficacy comparison; it helps you identify your situation for an everyday decision.
Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Rub your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, your thumbs and under your nails. Then rinse and dry with a clean towel or a hand dryer. Holding just your fingertips under the tap is not the same as lathering and washing your whole hands.
Where there is no sink: when travelling, on public transport, shopping, at the office or on the way home from school. First check that your hands are not visibly dirty. Apply the product to all surfaces of your hands and rub until dry; follow the product label for the amount and time. For a step-by-step guide, see how to use hand sanitizer.
Using sanitizer does not remove the need to wash your hands during the day. When moments like eating or using the toilet come around again, wash your hands if you can reach soap and water.
Alcohol is flammable, has a distinctive smell, and some people prefer not to use alcohol-based products frequently. In these cases, alcohol-free hand sanitizers come into play as an option. Note that the WHO and CDC recommendations above are written for alcohol-based products and do not cover alcohol-free ones; when choosing an alcohol-free product, check its license and the intended use on the label. We explain how alcohol-free products work and what to look for in is alcohol-free sanitizer effective?
CleanSmart Antimicrobial Hand and Skin Spray contains no alcohol, is odourless and needs no rinsing. Its active substance is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), produced by the electrolysis of salt water. It is produced in Dilovası, Kocaeli under biocidal product license No. 2022/46 issued by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye (Product Type 1), and its intended use is hands and skin. It comes in 100, 250, 500 and 1000 ml sizes. Details are on the hand and face hygiene page.
Yes, the handwashing routine before eating and after using the toilet still applies. Hands not looking dirty is not enough on its own.
No. If there is visible grease or dirt on your hands, wash them with soap and water.
No. Soap and water are the first choice. Sanitizer is a practical option when you cannot reach soap and water.
It means the product can dry on the skin after application without being rinsed off with water. It does not change the fact that dirty hands need washing.
Bulk orders and distribution discussions for schools, nurseries, offices and businesses are handled by phone and e-mail.
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. This page is for general information only; a doctor should be consulted for health-related questions.
