Which of the following is true about hand sanitizers?

• A. They are sufficient for all cleaning needs
• B. They leave hands oily
• C. They should supplement hand washing
• D. They are ineffective against all germs

Answer: (C)

Hand sanitizers are designed to reduce the number of germs on the skin, but they work best when used in conjunction with proper hand washing. While they can be a convenient option in situations where soap and water are not readily available, they do not remove dirt and grease effectively, nor do they eliminate all types of germs.

The use of hand sanitizers should complement traditional hand washing as part of good hand hygiene practices. This helps ensure that hands are not only sanitized but also clean from physical contaminants. Therefore, the idea that hand sanitizers are meant to support and enhance the effectiveness of hand washing is key to understanding their appropriate use and limitations.