Many people think of soaps and sanitizers as one-in-the-same, but they are not. Soaps are cleansers — they actually clean hands by removing dirt and grime. Sanitizers kill germs. Whenever water is present, soap is the number one recommendation for hand washing.

Experts agree that using soap and water is a tried-and-true method of cleaning hands. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most important thing people can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness is to clean their hands with soap and water.

Soap is typically milder than a hand sanitizer and is safe for the majority of the population. It also comes in a variety of forms, such as foam options and various scents.

Health officials agree that soap should be available in every restroom and any other cleaning station where water is present.