Coronavirus: Why soap is highly efficient in killing the virus

With Kenya joining the number of countries affected by the novel coronavirus, one of the biggest public service announcements has been the constant reminder to thoroughly wash hands or use an alcohol based sanitizer.

Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 spread when droplets containing the virus get into your body through your eyes, nose or throat hence the push to avoid touching your face.

The best way to prevent the spread of such a virus is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for roughly 30 seconds.

Palli Thordarson, a chemistry professor at the University of New South Wales tweeted; Soap “is almost like a demolition team breaking down a building and taking all the bricks away.”

As a matter of fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends soap and water to sanitizers.

“Why? Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs, like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate many types of microbes very effectively when used correctly, people may not use a large enough volume of the sanitizers or may wipe it off before it has dried.

Hand sanitizers, the CDC continues, may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

“Many studies show that hand sanitizers work well in clinical settings like hospitals, where hands come into contact with germs but generally are not heavily soiled or greasy. Some data also show that hand sanitizers may work well against certain types of germs on slightly soiled hands,” reads a statement from their website.

“However, hands may become very greasy or soiled in community settings, such as after people handle food, play sports, work in the garden, or go camping or fishing. When hands are heavily soiled or greasy, hand sanitizers may not work well. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended in such circumstances.”

But when it comes to sanitizers, it must have a very high alcohol percentage for it work.

“Many studies have found that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers without 60-95% alcohol – may not work equally well for many types of germs; and merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright.”

So, children, ladies and gentlemen, do not care about all those hoarding sanitizers, just use the good old soap and water and hum the Happy Birthday song twice to ensure you have washed your hands well.