Mihalache, Octavian AugustinBorda, DanielaNeagu, CorinaTeixeira, PaulaLangsrud, SolveigNicolau, Anca Ioana2021-09-062021-09-062021-08-211661-7827http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/34653The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dirt removal (bacteria and organic matter) of several hand-cleaning procedures. The results from the hand hygiene experiment indicated that washing hands with warm water and soap for 20 s is the most effective method investigated when hands are either dirty or greasy. Even if not proper washing, rinsing under running water for 5 s is a cleaning procedure that may significantly reduce the probability of cross-contamination, as it removes 90% of the hands' dirt. Although less effective than water and soap, the usage of antibacterial wipes was significantly more effective than wet wipes, indicating that they are a better choice when water and soap are not available. The results of this study enable us to inform consumers about the effectiveness of hand-cleaning procedures applied in their homes when cooking. Moreover, it can make consumers understand why, during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities recommended washing hands as a preventive measure of infection and using an anti-bacterial hand gel or wiping hands with an antimicrobial wipe if water and soap are not available.engCleaningWashingRinsingGreasy handSoapWipejournal article10.3390/ijerph1816882885113792946PMC839466834444577000689208400001