Should disinfectants always be used for infection prevention at home, or is soap and water sufficient?

In most daily household situations, washing hands with soap and running water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases. Disinfectants containing at least 60% alcohol should only be used when soap and water are not readily available. Regarding surfaces, regular cleaning with soap and water or standard household cleaners removes most germs; disinfectants can be used to sanitize surfaces that may be particularly contaminated or in specific situations requiring deeper disinfection.

The Importance of Soap and Water for Handwashing

Handwashing with soap and water is considered one of the best ways to maintain health and prevent the spread of many respiratory and diarrheal diseases. Germs spread easily from person to person or from surfaces to people when touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, when preparing and eating food with unclean hands, or after coughing, sneezing, and touching shared surfaces [4]. To wash hands effectively, wet hands with clean, running water, apply soap, and scrub hands well for at least 20 seconds, ensuring to scrub the back of the hands, between fingers, and under nails, then rinse and dry with a clean towel or air dryer [4].

When Are Disinfectants Necessary?

Alcohol-based disinfectants containing at least 60% alcohol are used as an alternative to washing hands with soap and water when the latter is not available [4]. However, disinfectants are not as effective at removing all types of germs, especially if hands are visibly dirty. In environments that require strict infection control, such as hospitals, proper handwashing is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of infection [1]. At home, disinfectants can be used to sanitize frequently touched surfaces, especially after handling raw meat or after a family member has contracted an infectious disease.

Surface Cleaning and Infection Prevention

Regular surface cleaning is an important part of infection prevention at home. Germs can spread via dirty hands or contaminated equipment [3]. This includes cleaning door handles, light switches, remote controls, and kitchen and bathroom surfaces. In most cases, using soap and water or a standard household cleaner is sufficient to remove germs from these surfaces [1]. However, in specific situations, such as when a sick person is at home or after handling potentially contaminated materials, using an appropriate disinfectant may be necessary to kill germs remaining after cleaning.

Practical Tips for Families

To maintain a healthy home environment and prevent infection, families can follow some practical tips. First, emphasize the importance of handwashing with soap and water for all family members, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing [4]. Second, clean frequently touched surfaces regularly. Third, when a sick person is in the home, provide tissues and hand sanitizers and cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing [1]. More information on infection prevention at home for Jordanian families can be found on the Infection Prevention at Home page (Arabic).

Medical references

• Infection Control
• About Handwashing | Clean Hands | CDC
• About Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)