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Hand Hygiene at Work: When to Use Soap and When to Use Sanitiser
Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection control in care, food and office settings alike. Both soap and water and alcohol-based hand rub work well, but each has situations where it's the better choice.
Key takeaways
- Alcohol-based hand rub is fast and effective for hands that aren't visibly dirty.
- Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled, after the toilet and with gastro outbreaks.
- Rub sanitiser until dry (about 20–30 seconds); wash with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Place sanitiser at entrances and points of care, not hidden in a cupboard.
Soap and water vs hand sanitiser
| Use alcohol-based hand rub | Use soap and water |
|---|---|
| Hands look clean | Hands are visibly dirty or greasy |
| Before and after touching a person | After using the toilet |
| Entering and leaving rooms or sites | Before handling or eating food |
| Before putting on and after removing gloves | During gastro (e.g. norovirus) outbreaks, or as directed for certain infections |
The 5 moments for hand hygiene in care
- Before touching a patient or client
- Before a procedure
- After a procedure or body fluid exposure risk
- After touching a patient or client
- After touching a patient's or client's surroundings
This framework, from the World Health Organization, underpins Australia's National Hand Hygiene Initiative.
How to do it properly
Hand rub: apply enough to cover all surfaces of both hands, then rub palms, backs, between fingers, thumbs and fingertips until dry, about 20–30 seconds.
Soap and water: wet hands, apply soap, lather all surfaces for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry thoroughly with a single-use paper towel.
Setting up your workplace
- Put sanitiser stations at entrances, reception, lifts and points of care.
- Use wall-mounted or touch-free dispensers to reduce contact.
- Keep paper towels and soap stocked at every basin.
- Check dispensers daily and refill before they run dry.
- Offer hand cream: dry, cracked skin makes people avoid hand hygiene.
Shop hand hygiene
Automatic sanitiser stations, dispensers, hand wash and paper towels.
Automatic hand sanitiser station →Hand wash & sanitiser →Dispensers & holders →Hand towels →Frequently asked questions
Is hand sanitiser as good as washing hands?
For hands that aren't visibly dirty, alcohol-based hand rub is very effective and quicker. Soap and water is better when hands are visibly soiled, after using the toilet and during gastro outbreaks.
How long should you rub hand sanitiser?
Rub all surfaces of both hands until they're completely dry, usually about 20–30 seconds.
What alcohol percentage should hand sanitiser have?
Effective alcohol-based hand rubs typically contain between 60% and 80% alcohol. Check the label.
Do gloves replace hand hygiene?
No. Clean hands before putting gloves on and after taking them off, because gloves can have tiny holes and hands can be contaminated during removal.
Related guides
- Cleaning vs Disinfecting: Getting Infection Control Right in Aged Care and Clinics
- Nitrile vs Vinyl vs Latex Gloves: How to Choose the Right Disposable Glove
- Cleaning and Sanitising a Commercial Kitchen: An Australian Checklist
Sources and further reading
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
- healthdirect Australia
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Innovation Project team.