Does antibacterial soap kill germs? Should you use one?

Germs are microorganisms found all around us. While some are harmless, others can cause serious diseases such as typhoid, diarrhea, food poisoning, MRSA, or, in rare cases, death. 

However, adopting effective hygiene practices can help protect yourself and your loved ones from these germs. 

One such hygiene practice is careful hand washing, which keeps pathogens at bay and your immune system healthy. 

Since soaps are an integral part of the hand washing process, questions such as “which soap is better?” and “does antibacterial soap kill germs?” have always been at the center of hygiene debates for a long time.

With different types of soaps available,  people have been divided between regular and Antibacterial soaps. 

While choosing a soap is more of a personal choice, knowing what’s inside an antibacterial soap and how it differs from common soap will help you decide. 

Before discussing how antibacterial soap kills germs, let's look at the various types of germs, how they spread, and the steps for the most effective hand washing. 

Different types of germs

The four main types of germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that receive nutrients from the environment. Some are good for you, such as the ones in your stomach, helping your digestive system. 

However, some are extremely harmful and can cause illnesses such as cavities, urinary tract infections, skin infections, or strep throat. A healthcare professional might suggest the use of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. 

Viruses 

Viruses are smaller than bacteria and are genetic material (DNA or RNA) packaged inside a protein capsule. They need a living host to thrive, spread, and reproduce. This means they can not survive unless they live inside something else (such as a person, animal, or plant).

Some of the most common diseases caused by viruses include AIDs, ebola, measles, chickenpox, coronavirus, cold & flu. Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, healthcare professionals suggest using antiviral medicines or good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of viruses. 

Fungi

Fungi are plant-like organisms with multiple cells that extract nutrients from animals and plants. They thrive in warm and damp environments.  Some popular fungi examples include mold, mildew, mushrooms, and yeasts.

You can find mold and mildew in your bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. Household mold is not only unsightly; in some cases, it can cause allergic reactions or infections. Dettol Mold & Mildew Remover Spray helps remove all mold and mildew, kill up to 99.9% of germs, and brightens surfaces with long-lasting fragrance.

Some of the most common fungi infections include athlete's foot and yeast infections, which are not dangerous in a healthy person. However, people with weak immune systems may get more serious fungal infections. 

Protozoa

Like bacteria, Protozoa are single-cell organisms but bigger and contain a nucleus, making them more like plant and animal cells. Protozoa like moisture, so they often spread waterborne diseases through contaminated water.

How do germs spread?

There are many ways through which germs can spread, including: 

• Direct Contact: When a person carrying germs comes into contact with another person, germs are transferred through shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
  
• Indirect Contact: Germs can be transmitted and persist on surfaces or objects, leading to contamination when an infected person touches them. Examples of such surfaces include doorknobs, light switches, and frequently shared items. Subsequently, when another individual comes into contact with these contaminated surfaces or objects, the germs can be transferred to them.
  
• Airborne Transmission: Germs can be transmitted through respiratory droplets. These droplets are released in the air when someone with a disease talks, coughs, sneezes, laughs, or otherwise exhales in some way. 

Some of the other ways through which germs can  spread include: 

• From mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth
• From insect or animal bites
• From contaminated food, water, soil, or plants

Effective hand washing steps

Cleaning hands through effective hand washing is one of the primary ways to prevent the spread of viruses, bacteria, and germs within our communities.  

Follow these steps every time you wash your hands: 

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (preferably warm)
2. Apply enough soap on your hands to cover every surface
3. Create a lather by thoroughly rubbing your hands together, ensuring it coats the back of your hands and the spaces between your fingers, nails, thumbs, and palms. 
4. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds
5. Rinse your hands under clean, running water to remove all the soap and germs.
6. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer. Drying is crucial as wet hands can easily transfer germs.

Another way to clean hands

While you must wash your hands with warm water, using antibacterial soap or antibacterial liquid hand wash for at least 20 seconds, in case they aren’t available: 

• Apply hand sanitizer to your hands to effectively kill 99.9% of germs.
• Wipe your hands with an antibacterial multipurpose wipe. 

Antibacterial soap vs. Regular soap

Antibacterial soap, also known as antiseptic or antimicrobial soap, contains certain chemicals not included in regular soap. The purpose of these chemicals is to reduce or prevent germs and bacteria. 

While regular soap and water loosen the grip of almost all surface germs by making them dissolve more easily, neither it removes them physically from the surface nor prevents their production. 

Antibacterial soap, having chemicals such as Sodium Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, stops the germs and bacteria production and, with every wash, leaves your skin feeling healthy and fresh. 

Simply using the best antibacterial soap on the market won’t be sufficient to guarantee ultimate germ protection. You must also know these effective hand washing steps for staying healthy. 

How does antibacterial soap kill bacteria?

Antibacterial soaps, unlike regular soaps, have an additional ingredient - “Sodium Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin” to prevent bacteria reproduction on your skin. 

Sodium Palmate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is effective against many microorganisms. In addition, because this compound is extremely powerful, its low concentration eliminates these microorganisms.  

Besides soaps, this ingredient is also found in mouthwashes, face washes, deodorants, toothpaste, and many other household products.

Deep knowledge of how to wash your hands is vital for protecting yourself and your loved ones from bacterial and viral infections. 

The bottom line

So yes, antibacterial soap does kill germs, and that too effectively. But, in the end, it all comes down to your personal preference. 

Regardless of the soap you use, ensure they are manufactured by well-reputed companies that adhere to international healthcare regulations and guidelines. 

Dettol's antibacterial soap range contains multiple options, including soaps for sensitive skin. So check them out and pick the best one for yourself.