In an effort to increase proper hand hygiene, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) developed a website that talks about how to best use soap, when to clean and when to sanitize and the difference between antibacterial soap and its standard counterpart.

According to the site, Antibacterial soaps are no more effective than plain soap and water for killing disease-causing germs outside of healthcare settings.There is also no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap for preventing infection under most circumstances.

Also addressed by the department is the perception that antibacterial soaps promote antibiotic resistance. MDH stresses that there is in fact no evidence that antibacterial soaps cause resistance, but some scientists believe they may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant germs.

Proper handwashing may eliminate nearly half of all cases of foodborne illness and significantly reduce the spread of the common cold and flu. When soil is visible, clean with soap and water. If water is not accessible or soil is not visible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hands.

For more information from the Minnesota Department of Health, click here.