You might not put much thought into the soap you buy; an antibacterial soap sounds like it will do the job, right? That may not be the case. To decide the best soap for you, you need to consider your requirements. Do you need to remove dangerous bacteria and dirt? Or do you need to ensure all the hands in your workplace are clean and healthy? There are many liquid soaps on the market suitable for different environments.
This article will give you an idea of the benefits of both antibacterial soap and foam hand wash. Then, you can make the right decision to maintain your workplace hygiene standards.
Antibacterial soaps
It is tempting to see the term ‘antibacterial soap’ and assume that it will cover all your needs. The term gives a sense of relief. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, stopping the spread of infection has been a priority. Germs became the common enemy and handwashing was our first line of defence.
Antibacterial soaps, hand sanitisers and antibacterial wipes became part of our everyday routines. But, we could be using them in the wrong way. One main issue is the overuse of antibacterial agents. After all, not all bacteria are bad. This overuse can lead to the creation of resistant bacteria that are much harder to kill.
We all want to ensure a clean and healthy work environment.. But, antibacterial soap may not be necessary.
The main difference between antibacterial and ordinary liquid soaps is the ingredients. Antibacterial soap contains active antimicrobial ingredients. This ‘works to kill micro-organisms or stop their growth’. These ingredients and chemicals found in commercial liquid soaps can be very harsh as their main goal is to remove all bacteria.
A common ingredient in antibacterial soaps is Triclosan. This is an active antiseptic and antifungal agent. Triclosan has been used in antibacterial hand rubs and washes since the 1960s. Yet, in 2013, the US decided to ban the use of the chemical and began to phase it out. The UK has not followed suit on banning Triclosan. Whilst it is effective at removing bacteria, it also can have some negative effects. Exposure to Triclosan can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
These chemicals are harsh. So, antibacterial soap should not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Only use it when it is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Everyone wants to prevent infection in their workplace. However, certain environments have a higher risk and infection could have larger consequences. These workplaces include healthcare and hospitals, childcare and food manufacturing or preparation.
If using antibacterial soap is not necessary, ordinary soap and water will do. It can be as effective, as long as you are washing your hands well. To learn more about how to implement effective hand washing in the workplace, click here.
There are lots of alternatives available to decrease the spread of germs. For instance, hand sanitiser is effective, especially when paired with proper hand washing. The most effective hand sanitisers have an alcohol content of over 60%.
Another factor you should consider is how much you are washing your hands. Antibacterial soaps are not meant for regular and frequent hand washing. These soaps, as discussed, can be very harsh because of the chemicals used. This can lead to skin irritations or dry skin.
Foam hand wash
Foam hand wash is a popular alternative to liquid hand soap. Sometimes also called foam hand cleansers, they are available as both bars and dispensed foam. Foam soaps create much more froth than liquid soaps. This is because they lather more easily during hand washing. When the soap reacts with the air, it increases the foam.
Whilst we are all no strangers to foam soap, it has a reputation for being a more luxurious hand wash. This may be because it often includes moisturising ingredients. This will help to reduce dry skin and is also a great choice for sensitive skin.
Foam hand soap is less effective at removing bacteria. If you do work in a healthcare or food production environment a foam soap would not be suitable.
Although, antibacterial soap is not the correct fit for all. In most workplaces, it is much more manageable to control the spread of germs and infections. Hygiene standards can be upheld with ordinary soap and water. It would be much more beneficial to some workplaces to ensure a sensitive hand soap is available.
There are also economic benefits to using foam hand wash. It is a foam rather than a liquid and it ‘can be spread easily over the hands without slipping off. This leads to less waste’. A little goes a long way with foam soap as it is easy to lather.
Antibacterial hand soaps focus on effective removal of bacteria. Foam hand soaps effectively clean whilst also considering hand and skin health. Often, these soaps will prevent allergies, irritations or dry skin. Many will also advertise as being for sensitive skin. This is because they do not contain the harsh chemicals as heavy-duty soaps.
All this makes foam soap a much better alternative for those who wash their hands a lot.
Keep Excellent Hygiene Standards with Galleon
At Galleon, we provide cleaning supplies at the best price to help you keep a clean environment. But, we also want you to have the facts to make the right decision. Hand soap is key to keeping a healthy workforce and workplace, so make sure you have the right one.
Remember, it is important to consider the factors of your workplace. Think about the types of bacteria you are exposed to. If these are harmful bacteria, and you are exposed at a higher rate, then antibacterial soap may be for you. Also, think about how important it is to kill bacteria in your workplace and how often you wash your hands.
Most workplaces, such as offices, do not need antibacterial hand soap. Do not use a heavy-duty hand soap, such as antibacterial, if it is not necessary. Instead, it would be advisable to use a less abrasive soap to protect your skin.
Explore our full range of soaps: Shop our affordable and dependable soap options now.
