Many people use hand sanitizers instead of soap and water when washing their hands. Hands should always be washed with soap and water when possible because sanitizers don’t remove dirt, and germs can hide under the dirt and remain on the hands. When you can’t wash your hands, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing more than 60% alcohol. Children are at greater risk of harm from hand sanitizers because they can lick the residue off their hands and ingest the ingredients in the sanitizer.