Which method refers to washing hands using only plain soap and water?

The method that refers to washing hands using only plain soap and water is known as hand-washing. This practice is a fundamental aspect of infection prevention and control within healthcare settings and everyday life. Hand-washing with plain soap and water is effective in removing dirt, organic matter, and many types of pathogens from the skin's surface.

It is particularly recommended in situations where hands are visibly soiled, as the mechanical action of scrubbing, along with the rinse from water, helps ensure that contaminants are effectively removed. This method is distinct from antiseptic hand-wash, which involves the use of specific chemical agents designed to reduce the number of microorganisms, alcohol-based hand rubs, which are effective in killing many pathogens without the need for water, and surgical hand hygiene, which combines antiseptic solutions and a more elaborate technique to ensure a high level of microbial reduction prior to surgical procedures. Understanding these distinctions helps healthcare professionals apply the appropriate hand hygiene practice in various situations.