What to Use If You Run Out of Soap
So, you have dangerously low hand soap in the midst of a global pandemic, and it is difficult to get it due to supply chain problems and ongoing panic shopping. Or maybe you can’t go to the store to buy more until you’re done. You still need to wash your hands often – what should you do?
It turns out that you can use other types of soap that you have at home to wash your hands, including dish soap, shower gel, and bar soap. Other types of soaps can be excellent substitutes for hand soap, although some are better alternatives than others, medical experts have told The Strategist .
To learn more about hand washing, watch the video below:
Here are a few that you can use:
- Bar soap . Bar soap is cheap and long-lasting – just store it dry when not in use.
- Body wash . Experts say that a body wash is most similar to hand soap as it targets your skin.
- Shampoo . Some shampoos leave strange marks on the skin, but they do a great job of removing germs.
- Dish soap . This option should be your last choice if you have other options, as it can irritate your skin more if used all day, every day. But it can be used as a last resort.
According to the CDC, it doesn’t really matter if your soap is marketed as antibacterial – its guidelines state that “there is no additional health benefit to consumers … using soap that contains antibacterial ingredients over using plain soap.” And while hand sanitizer is an option (although perhaps even less readily available in many places than regular soap), it is generally recommended to wash when possible for washing .
So if you need to use an alternative hand soap, you can. It’s important that you continue to wash your hands regularly and continue to follow the best practices we’ve talked about for several months: wash with soap for at least 20 seconds and warm clean running water. And it probably won’t hurt to apply lotion when you’re done.