Common Hand Washing Methods Compared
Hand hygiene is one of, if not the most important aspect of your SSOP's. There are a few common methods widely used to wash hands. Each method has benefits, but some have drawbacks that can result in poor hand washing and pathogen reduction.
Here are four most common methods used today, and the pros and cons of each:
Download the Handwashing Comparison Guide Here
Traditional Sink
Sink, a soap dispenser and a drying method such as paper towels or forced air.
| Benefits | Potential Concerns |
| - Low cost - Familiar system to all |
- Highly dependent on user - Unreliable and inconsistent level of pathogen removal - Difficult compliance tracking - Uses an average of three gallons of water per wash |
Hand Sanitizer
Quick and effective way of killing harmful pathogens on your hands.
| Benefits | Potential Concerns |
| - Low cost - Does not require water source |
- Does not remove visible dirt or grease |
Semi-Automated Handwashing Stations
Hands-free faucet and soap dispenser.
| Benefits | Potential Concerns |
| - Reduces cross-contamination | - No way to enforce proper handwashing duration. - Uses a lot of water - Effectiveness is limited by user behavior |
Automated Handwashing Stations
Guaruntees standardized, fast, effective, and trackable handwashing events.
| Benefits | Potential Concerns |
| - 12 second wash time - Easy compliance monitoring - Automation ensures reliable & consistent result - Removes more than 99.9% of pathogens - Uses only 0.6 gallons per wash |
- Costs more than manual systems |
The highest risk of contamination for your facility obviously comes from the people working there. It is important to put processes and tools in place that ensure compliance and emphasize a culture of hygiene excellence. Here at Meritech we strive to save lives and prevent the spread of disease by overcoming the variability of human behavior with fully automated handwashing stations. Interested in learning more about how Meritech can help your business ensure the highest level of employee hygiene? Check out all our automated handwashing stations here!
