Under what condition is it recommended to wash hands with soap and water instead of using hand rub?

Washing hands with soap and water is specifically recommended when hands are visibly dirty because washing with soap and water is more effective at removing certain types of contaminants, including dirt, grease, and organic matter. Hand rubs, although convenient and effective at killing many pathogens, may not adequately clean hands that have heavy soils or visible dirt. Soap and water mechanically remove dirt and debris in addition to killing germs, which is crucial in maintaining proper hygiene, especially in clinical and food handling settings.

In contrast, using hand rubs in situations where hands are not visibly soiled is generally acceptable, as they are designed for quick sanitation. Other scenarios like after handling food, before touching the face, or after sneezing typically allow for the use of hand sanitizer, provided that the hands are clean and free of visible dirt.