Is hand sanitizer a substitute for proper hand washing?

Hand sanitizer can be a useful alternative when soap and water are not available, especially if it contains at least 60% alcohol. However, it is not a complete substitute for proper hand washing, which is more effective at removing certain types of germs, dirt, and viruses. Hand washing is particularly important when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. For optimal hygiene, it's best to use both methods appropriately.