This article incorrectly described the salt molecule in soap as "a long chain with two ends." That is a description of the fatty acid molecule in soap.
Here's Some Dirt About How Soaps and Sanitizers Work
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Traditional soap is made of salts and fatty acids. The salt molecule is a long chain with two ends. The head is made of atoms that interact well with water. The tail interacts well with grease and oil.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]When you put soap on your skin and begin to wash, the head binds with the water. The tail attracts fat molecules found in dirt and invisible organic compounds such as germs and sweat, forming a thin film around them. The dirt gets suspended in these droplets. Warm running water washes it away.
Waterless, alcohol-based cleansers work differently. Alcohol is an antiseptic that destroys germs instantly (rather than inhibiting their growth). Alcohol-based sanitizers kill 99.99 percent of the most common germs within seconds and without water. However, waterless hand sanitizers are not effective at removing visible dirt from your hands.
How to Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is the best way to keep germs away. Here's how to do it effectively.
If you use soap and water:
* Put your hands in warm, running water. Apply soap (bar or liquid) and lather well.
* Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds.
* Cover all surfaces: wrists, back of the hands, fingernails and between your fingers.
* Rinse your hands.
* Dry them with a clean towel.
* Use the towel to turn off the faucet.
If you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (choose a product that contains at least 60 percent alcohol):
* Remove all visible dirt from your hands.
* Apply about a half-teaspoon to the palm of your hand.
* Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers.
* Continue rubbing until the sanitizer is completely absorbed.
-- Ranit Mishori
