Best article I've seen so far on hand cleansing to remove and destroy viruses....

[KY_EnviroGuy]

with what appears to be scientific credibility.

Deadly viruses are no match for plain, old soap — here’s the science behind it
Published: March 8, 2020 at 10:42 a.m. ET
By Palli Thordarson
Soap works better than alcohol and disinfectants at destroying the structure of viruses

Read it here: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/deadly-viruses-are-no-match-for-plain-old-soap-heres-the-science-behind-it-2020-03-08?mod=home-page

(snips)

Why does soap work so well on the new coronavirus and, indeed, most viruses? Because it is a self-assembled nanoparticle in which the weakest link is the lipid (fatty) bilayer.

That sounds scientific. Let me explain.

Soap dissolves the fat membrane, and the virus falls apart like a house of cards and “dies,” or rather, it becomes inactive as viruses aren’t really alive. Viruses can be active outside the body for hours, even days.

Disinfectants, or liquids, wipes, gels and creams containing alcohol (and soap) have a similar effect but are not as good as regular soap. Apart from alcohol and soap, antibacterial agents in those products don’t affect the virus structure much. Consequently, many antibacterial products are basically just an expensive version of soap in how they act on viruses. Soap is the best, but alcohol wipes are good when soap is not practical or handy, for example in office reception areas.

KY.................

[SCantiGOP]

1. kick

My daughter is a nurse; she had told me this.

[relayerbob]

2. Wash your hands like you just touched Trump

[liberalmuse]

5. This.

[magicarpet]

7. Smirk/Giggle

[Blue Owl]

9. ...still washing...

n/t

[Hermit-The-Prog]

21. I'm gonna need more Fast Orange, Lava, Brillo pads, paint thinner and wire brushes.

[liberalmuse]

3. I have over 60 bars of soap in my house.

Making soap is one of my hobbies. You can't get anti-bacterial wipes right now where I live, so this is good to know. You'd think there would be a soap shortage, too, but no. People are grabbing mass quantities of TP and bottled water instead.

[Wednesdays]

16. TP I can understand

You don't want to have to drag yourself to the store with a fever of 102 if you're out of toilet paper.

But water? Just get it from the tap! What do they think they're preparing for? Armageddon!?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Does this mean Trump can't use soap in the shower

because if he did, the fat membrane would dissolve and he'd fall apart like a house of cards?

[Maraya1969]

6. Thank you. But we really shouldn't be hugging like that all together. We should be 6 feet apart.

[malaise]

8. We bought Dettol Soap yesterday

[diva77]

10. Beware of using "antibacterial" soaps -- they may cause more harm than good

they are known to cause bacteria to become resistant

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-antibacterial-products-may-do-more-harm-than-good/

[malaise]

11. You know we usually keep a few bars around

and use them more then than now.
Thanks for that link

[diva77]

12. you're welcome

[CottonBear]

15. My child's pediatrician says to use plain soap, warm water & clean towels.

Wash frequently and don’t touch your face!

[Disaffected]

19. Good advice.

Resistant bacteria and possibly kids who grow up with allergies.

[CottonBear]

13. Outdoor hand washing stations should be installed in public places like shopping centers,

transit centers, parks, grocery stores, gas/service/convenience stores, and cinemas, among other places.

I’ve seen these outdoor hand washing stations at the Gulf Shores National Seashore public beachside pavilions. There was running water, soap, paper towels and hand sanitizer. It was located next to the portable toilets.

These could be easily placed in public areas. The stations could be connected to an existing hose bib for a potable water source. Of course, a back flow preventer device would be required.

There are units that connect directly to existing water and sewer utilities.
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/polyjohn-sk3-3000-applause-portable-hand-washing-sink-with-direct-connection/621SK33000.html

Amazon has lots of portable hand washing stations:
https://www.amazon.com/slp/portable-handwashing-station/jpvajvvjbooh5p7

[4now]

14. A lot of misinformation being posted on the internet

Be sure to check your sources.

[thecrow]

17. Ok... I have a question though

I live alone, so do I have wash my hands all day? I always wash them before eating anything, and I wash my food too. After w have gone outside or in the garden... I have a good scrub. Lately my skin is getting very dry from all the soap. Where do I draw the line?

[Disaffected]

18. Use a good skin lotion

after washing. I use Lubriderm.

[Talitha]

22. I wash like a Raccoon too, and it dries out my 67 year old skin.

Try filling empty Visine bottles with olive oil.

Towel dry your hands, and then use 5 drops of it.

It doesn't contain fragrance or drying alcohol.

Be sure it doesn't go rancid, though... P.U.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

23. If you're not around people infected with the virus, no need to worry.

It's only after you have been out in public places in parts of the nation where the disease has been confirmed to be spreading. If so, wash up good after you get home and then use a good moisturizing lotion such as CeraVe.

Unfortunately, visitors with an unknown history along with the mailman, repair service people and delivery people may need to be cleaned up after, but just surfaces they've touched.

There's none of the disease in my immediate area, so I'm more concerned with the flu.

KY...........

[thecrow]

25. Thanks for all the advice!

Keep on scrubbin’ !

[Talitha]

20. So can we use soapy rags to wash down doorknobs, refrigerator handles, etc?

Sounds logical to me.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

24. Yes, and use a separate rinse cloth and rinse pan.

Just remember the soap just captures the viruses and starts their destruction. We still have to rinse them away down the drain.

We shouldn't have to worry in our homes unless someone there is infected, or someone has been out in public in an infected area who has not washed up and then touched things in the house.

KY..........

[Talitha]

26. Ok, got it... THANKS!!!

I'm in rural WI where lots of Chicago folks vacation, and they shop at the stores in town. There's no way to totally avoid the imported germs etc, so it's good to know that proper use of soap will do the trick.

Thanks again!