Will it be the travel-efficient bottle of scented, gel alcohol, or the good old-fashioned scrubbing with soap?
I prefer washing hands as much as time allows, but carry around sanitizer for the moments where a sink and soap aren't available options. This is because when you use sanitizer, you only get rid of the bacteria for a small amount of time and they build right back up. Not to mention, when you use it in excess, it dries out your hands.
I interviewed a few Whyvillians on their preferred option of use:
Bibi4evr: Which do you prefer: sanitizer or washing your hands?
MrCowboy: Hand washing is better.
dQx12: I prefer to wash my hands.
xoxkitkat: I prefer washing my hands.
Funkchik1: I prefer washing my hands over sanitizing.
Bibi4evr: Why?
MrCowboy: Well with washing of the hands you can get more junk off them.
dQx12: I prefer washing my hands because it gets your hands a lot cleaner and it just seems more sanitary in my opinion. I hardly ever use sanitizer unless I am somewhere where a sink and soap is unavailable. I just feel do much more "fresh" when I use good old soap and water.
xoxkitkat: I like washing my hands better because I like the feel of the soap and water, and it just gives you that nice clean feeling.
Funkchik1: First off, sanitizers are loaded with disinfectants and unnatural chemicals. They only "kill off" the bacteria, and I find that gross. Wouldn't you prefer to was off the bacteria, rather than keep all the dirt and filth on your skin?
Bibi4evr: How often do you do it?
MrCowboy: I try to wash my hands each day after I'm done working outside.
dQx12: I wash my hands very frequently. Especially a lot during cold and flu season. I would estimate about 5-6 times a day at LEAST. I think washing hands do often is why I never get sick.
xoxkitkat: Um whenever I need really. Before I eat, after using the bathroom, or just if I think my hands are dirty and I need to wash then.
Funkchik1: Personally, I'm a clean freak, so you can see me washing my hands (with water!) probably every time I feel the need to, or they smell or get dirty. Hey, better be clean than filthy!
There you have it, folks. Good ol' fashioned hand washing appeared to be the clear winner.
Author's Note: Thanks to MrCowboy, dQx12, xoxkitkat, and Funkchik1 for their quick replies. Also, I wasn't able to find someone who preferred sanitizing for a contradicting view.
