Switch to liquid soap and avoid using antibacterial products.

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RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—When I was a child, my mother had better things to do than stand over me and make me wash my hands. So for years I reserved hand washing for the removal of visible dirt. But as an adult I’ve discovered that what you can’t see CAN hurt you, at least when it comes to germs. Repeat visits to the sink really pay off: Hand washing is the number one best way to avoid germs that will leave you sniffling, sneezing, or running to the bathroom every 10 minutes. Clean hands save you money on pills and potions, lost work (and fun), and even doctor bills.

That said, hand washing becomes more of a bargain if you put some thought into the soap you choose. I’ve been a fan of liquid soap and pump dispensers for years. Switching to a liquid means there’s no crusty soap scum to clean off of the soap holder, no slippery bars shooting across the floor and introducing themselves to the resident dust bunnies, no fishing for that last partially dissolved sliver that’s swimming in a water-filled soap dish. And I’ve noticed that kids are more likely to use liquid soap than bars—though “more likely” is a relative term; most kids will still need frequent encouragement to clean those hands.

Sensible Soap Tips
First off, skip soap made with antimicrobial chemicals like triclosan—scientific studies have shown time after time that plain ol’ soap and water is at least as effective at getting rid of germs as antibacterial soap is. And there is mounting evidence that antimicrobial chemicals lead to antibiotic-resistant germs, that they’re bad for your health, and that they’re building up in the environment. Don’t buy “antibiotic” soaps; look for brands made with simple, natural ingredients instead.

Want to cut your soap bill in half? Consider that most liquid-soap dispensers squirt out more soap than the average adult really needs—and WAY more than the average kid needs—to get even the grossest hands clean. And the excess gets rinsed down the drain, wasting money and water. So when you buy a container of liquid soap, pour about half into a clean bottle to use later. Dilute what’s left with warm water (slosh gently to blend). Depending on the brand you use, you may be able to dilute it even more and still get enough soap with a normal squirt. By the way, once you have some soap dispensers that you like, save them and buy liquid soap in bulk to refill. You’ll spend less and you won’t be throwing more dispensers into the trash whenever you need new soap.

Here’s a way to stretch your soap budget even further. If you haven’t already done so, you gotta try a foaming soap dispenser. A friend gave us one filled with peppermint-scented soap as a gift last year, and I wouldn’t trade back to plain ol’ liquid soap for anything. Where have these things been all my life? You can dilute the soap even more—in fact you have to, to make it thin enough to work in the foamer. Start with one part soap to four parts water, and adjust as needed. If you can’t find a dispenser locally, ForSoapMakers.com sells empty foam dispensers by the dozen; if you don’t need that many, find a friend or two to split an order with you. They also sell all-natural liquid soap and offer tips for adding the natural fragrance of your choice. Or you can buy soap that comes in a pump and save the dispenser to refill.

Farm gal, library worker, and all-around spendthrift Jean Nick shares advice for green thrifty living every Thursday on Rodale.com.