3 Reasons Handcrafted Soap Is Best To Beat Viruses

1. Soap is designed to destroy viruses. We typically think of soap as gentle and soothing (especially handcraft artisan soap), but from the perspective of viruses and bacteria, it is often extremely destructive. Just ordinary soap diluted in water is sufficient to rupture and kill many types of bacteria and viruses, including the new coronavirus that is currently circling the globe. Soap destroys a viruses’ lipid membrane, disengages it from the skin’s surface while water washes it away.

2. Soap traps dirt and microorganisms. When dirt and microorganisms mix with soap and water, the soap molecules arrange themselves into tiny clusters called micelles. When you rinse your hands, all the dirt and microorganisms that have been damaged, trapped and killed by soap molecules are washed away.

3. Soap combined with thorough hand washing is key. Even the most resilient microorganisms are well managed via vigorous washing with soap and water. The friction from hand washing is part of the reason why hand-washing is more effective than sanitizer. However, an alcohol-based sanitizer is a good backup when soap and water are not accessible.

How to wash your hands
It's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap.
Follow these steps:
• Wet your hands with clean, running water — either warm or cold.
• Apply soap and lather well.
• Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel or air-dry them.

Remember: Kids need clean hands, too!!!