When should you use hand sanitizer?

• A. Before washing hands
• B. After washing hands when hands are not visibly dirty
• C. Before handling ready-to-eat foods
• D. Only if hands are visibly dirty

Answer: (B)

Hand sanitizer is an extra safeguard, not a substitute for washing. The best time to use it is after you’ve washed and dried your hands, provided they aren’t visibly dirty. Washing removes dirt and most germs; sanitizer then knocks down any remaining microbes more quickly. It won’t be effective on dirty or greasy hands, so if hands look dirty or contaminated, you must wash first. Using sanitizer before washing isn’t appropriate because soil and grime can shield germs and reduce sanitizer’s effectiveness.