How to Clean Your Hands When Soap and Water Aren't Available
Soap and running water are the preferred way to clean your hands. But a sink isn't always nearby. When you can't wash your hands, hand sanitizer or hand wipes can provide a convenient alternative, depending on the situation and the product.
Wet Ones® makes both antibacterial hand wipes and hand sanitizer, giving you options for hand hygiene when you're away from a sink.
When should you clean your hands?
Cleaning your hands regularly helps remove germs, dirt and other substances that can get onto your hands throughout the day.
Important times to clean your hands include:
- Before, during and after preparing food
- Before eating
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- After caring for someone who is sick
- After touching animals, animal food or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- After changing diapers
- After touching commonly handled surfaces
- When your hands are visibly dirty
The CDC recommends cleaning your hands at key times throughout the day, particularly before eating and after situations where you may have picked up germs.
What should you do when soap and water aren't available?
When you can't wash your hands with soap and clean, running water, two common alternatives are alcohol-based hand sanitizer and hand wipes.
The right option depends on what you need.
Hand sanitizer
The CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren't readily available.
Apply hand sanitizer directly to your hands and rub it over all surfaces until your hands are dry.
Hand wipes
Hand wipes provide another convenient option when you're away from a sink. They are pre-moistened and designed to be wiped across the hands.
Some hand wipes contain an active antibacterial ingredient. Others are designed to clean and refresh the skin.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes use benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient.
Not every Wet Ones® wipe is antibacterial. For example, Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes and Wet Ones® Body Wipes do not contain an antibacterial active ingredient.
Are hand wipes an option when soap and water aren't available?
Yes. Hand wipes can be a convenient option when you can't get to a sink.
A hand wipe can physically remove dirt and everyday messes from your hands. Depending on the product, it may also contain an active ingredient intended to reduce bacteria.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes contain benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient.
It's important to distinguish antibacterial wipes from ordinary cleansing wipes. A wipe can clean your hands without containing an antibacterial active ingredient.
Hand wipes can be especially convenient when you're:
- Traveling
- In the car
- At work or school
- Eating outdoors
- At a sporting event
- Camping or hiking
- Running errands
- Away from a bathroom or sink
Keep hand wipes somewhere they're easy to reach, such as a backpack, purse, desk, car or travel bag.
Are hand sanitizer and hand wipes the same?
No. Hand sanitizer and hand wipes are different products.
The main differences are their format, active ingredients and how they're used.
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Hand wipes
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Hand sanitizer
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Format
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Pre-moistened wipe
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Liquid, gel or mist
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
How you use it
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Wipe across your hands
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Apply to hands and rub in
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Physical wiping action
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Yes
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
No
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Alcohol required?
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
No
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Antibacterial active ingredient
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Depends on the product
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Depends on the product
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
What to do afterward
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Dispose of the wipe
| Hand wipes | Hand sanitizer |
|---|---|
| Format: Pre-moistened wipe | Format: Liquid, gel or mist |
| How you use it: Wipe across your hands | How you use it: Apply to hands and rub in |
| Physical wiping action: Yes | Physical wiping action: No |
| Alcohol required?: No | Alcohol required?: Alcohol-based sanitizers typically use alcohol as the active ingredient |
| Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product | Antibacterial active ingredient: Depends on the product |
| What to do afterward: Dispose of the wipe | What to do afterward: Rub hands until dry |
Rub hands until dry
For example, Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes use benzalkonium chloride, while Wet Ones® Hand Sanitizer Mist uses ethyl alcohol as its active ingredient.
Neither format is universally better. The right choice depends on the situation and the specific product.
What should you look for in a hand wipe?
Not all hand wipes are formulated the same way. When choosing a hand wipe, consider what you want the wipe to do.
1. Check whether it has an active ingredient
If you want an antibacterial hand wipe, look for a product that identifies an antibacterial active ingredient on its label.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes use benzalkonium chloride.
Other wipes may have no active ingredient and instead be designed for general cleaning and refreshing.
2. Check what the wipe is designed to clean
Some wipes are designed specifically for hands. Others are intended for the body, face or surfaces.
Always check the product label to make sure a wipe is intended for use on skin.
Household disinfecting wipes are generally designed for hard, nonporous surfaces and should not be used on your skin unless the label specifically says they are safe for that use.
3. Check the ingredients
Ingredients can vary considerably between products.
Some wipes contain ingredients intended to cleanse or moisturize the skin. Others contain an active antibacterial ingredient.
Reading the product label tells you exactly what you're using.
4. Consider the situation
If you simply want to wipe away dirt or an everyday mess, a cleansing wipe may be appropriate.
If you specifically want an antibacterial wipe, choose one that is labeled for antibacterial use and contains an appropriate active ingredient.
Do hand wipes contain alcohol?
Some do, but not all.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes use benzalkonium chloride rather than alcohol as their active ingredient.
Wet Ones® Hand Sanitizer Mist is a separate product that uses ethyl alcohol as its active ingredient.
The best way to know whether a particular wipe contains alcohol is to check its ingredient list and product label.
How should you use a hand wipe?
For the best results, follow the directions on the product label.
In general:
- Remove one wipe from the package.
- Thoroughly wipe your hands, including your palms, the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
- Continue wiping until you've covered the surfaces you want to clean.
- Dispose of the used wipe after use.
- Follow the product label for any additional directions.
The goal is to thoroughly wipe the areas of your hands that may have come into contact with dirt or germs.
Can you use a hand wipe and hand sanitizer together?
Yes, but you don't necessarily need both.
Hand wipes and hand sanitizer serve different purposes, so the choice can depend on the situation.
For example:
- If your hands have dirt or a mess on them, a wipe can physically remove it.
- If your hands aren't visibly dirty and you want a quick way to sanitize them, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be convenient.
- If soap and running water are available, washing your hands is preferred.
If you use hand sanitizer, apply enough to cover all surfaces of your hands and rub until dry. Don't wipe or rinse it off before it dries.
What if my hands are visibly dirty?
Wash your hands with soap and water when possible.
Hand sanitizer may not work as well when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
A hand wipe can be useful for physically wiping away dirt and everyday messes when you're away from a sink, but it doesn't replace handwashing when soap and running water are available.
If your hands are heavily soiled, greasy or contaminated with chemicals, find a sink and wash them thoroughly.
Can you clean your hands with a disinfecting wipe?
Don't use a household surface disinfecting wipe on your skin unless the product label specifically says it is intended for skin.
Disinfecting wipes are generally formulated for hard, nonporous surfaces, not hands. Using a surface disinfectant on skin can cause irritation.
Instead, use a product specifically labeled for use on hands.
What about antibacterial hand wipes?
Antibacterial hand wipes are a type of hand wipe that contains an active ingredient intended to reduce bacteria.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes use benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient.
This is different from Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes and Wet Ones® Body Wipes, which do not contain an antibacterial active ingredient.
The word "antibacterial" refers specifically to bacteria. It does not mean that every antibacterial wipe kills every type of germ, including every virus.
Always check the specific product label for its claims and directions.
How do Wet Ones® hand wipes fit into hand hygiene?
Wet Ones® makes several types of wipes, so the right product depends on what you need.
Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes
These pre-moistened hand wipes contain benzalkonium chloride as their active ingredient and are designed for antibacterial hand cleaning.
Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes
These wipes do not contain an antibacterial active ingredient. They are designed for gentle cleaning and refreshing of the hands and face.
Wet Ones® Body Wipes
These wipes do not contain an active ingredient and are designed for cleaning and refreshing the body.
This distinction matters because not every Wet Ones® wipe is an antibacterial wipe.
How do you clean your hands without a sink?
If you don't have access to soap and running water, you have a few options.
Option 1: Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Choose one containing at least 60% alcohol. Apply enough to cover all surfaces of your hands and rub until dry.
Option 2: Use a hand wipe.
Choose a wipe specifically labeled for use on hands. If you want an antibacterial wipe, check that the product contains an antibacterial active ingredient.
Option 3: Find a sink when possible.
Hand sanitizer and wipes are convenient alternatives when you're away from a sink, but washing with soap and running water remains the preferred way to clean your hands.
Hand hygiene when you're on the go
You don't always know when you'll have access to a sink. Keeping a hand hygiene product nearby can make it easier to clean your hands throughout the day.
Consider keeping hand wipes or hand sanitizer:
- In your car
- In your backpack
- In your purse
- At your desk
- In a diaper bag
- In your gym bag
- In your travel bag
- With outdoor or camping supplies
That way, you have an option available when soap and water aren't readily accessible.
Hand hygiene: quick answers
What should I use if I can't wash my hands?
If soap and running water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or a hand wipe designed for use on skin.
Are hand wipes effective for cleaning hands?
Hand wipes can physically remove dirt and everyday messes from your hands. Some also contain an antibacterial active ingredient. Check the specific product label for its claims and directions.
Are hand wipes the same as hand sanitizer?
No. Hand wipes are pre-moistened wipes that you use to physically wipe your hands. Hand sanitizer is applied directly to the hands and rubbed in.
Do Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes contain alcohol?
No. Their active ingredient is benzalkonium chloride.
What is the active ingredient in Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes?
Benzalkonium chloride.
What is the active ingredient in Wet Ones® Hand Sanitizer Mist?
Ethyl alcohol.
Can I use disinfecting wipes on my hands?
Only if the product is specifically labeled for use on skin. Household disinfecting wipes are generally designed for hard surfaces, not hands.
Are all Wet Ones® wipes antibacterial?
No. Wet Ones® Antibacterial Hand Wipes contain an antibacterial active ingredient, while Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Hand & Face Wipes and Wet Ones® Body Wipes do not.
Should I use hand sanitizer or hand wipes?
Either may be convenient when soap and water aren't available. Consider whether you want the physical wiping action of a wipe or the quick, no-wipe application of hand sanitizer.
Can I use hand wipes instead of washing my hands?
Hand wipes are a convenient option when you're away from a sink, but soap and running water are the preferred way to clean your hands when they're available.
What should I do if my hands are visibly dirty?
Wash them with soap and running water when possible. Hand sanitizer may not work as well on visibly dirty or greasy hands.
When soap and running water aren't available, hand wipes and hand sanitizer can provide convenient options for hand hygiene. Choose a product based on what you need, whether that's physically wiping your hands, using an antibacterial hand wipe or using a quick, no-wipe hand sanitizer.
When soap and running water are available, washing your hands remains the preferred way to clean them.