According to the FDA, there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap and water for killing disease-causing germs outside of healthcare settings. In fact, the FDA has banned some chemicals found in antibacterial soaps, such as triclosan, due to concerns about their safety and effectiveness. While some soaps are marketed as "antibacterial," all soap is considered to have antibacterial properties. Therefore, it is recommended to use plain soap and water for handwashing and general cleaning purposes, unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider.