Ash as a hand sanitizer?...?

I was recently at a camping festival where people were using ash from the campfires to sanitize their hands - both after using the latrine and before preparing food. Now I know that alcohol, chlorine (bleach), and some other chemicals are known to kill most germs on the hands, but I don't know about ash. I know that soap isn't directly anti-germ unless it's made with triclosan, but that it takes off a layer of oil from the hands and therefore will usually remove most the germs with it.
But what about ash?... I'm not a biochemist or anything, so I don't really know how this would affect micro-organisms. I know its PH is relatively high, but is this toxic to germs?...Or does it react with the oils on your skin to form a sort of crude soap? Does it work at all? And if so, how? And would it work as a dry dusting or only wet?...
Any insights would be much appreciate and help with keeping people healthy at future events! Thank you!Ash as a hand sanitizer?...?
Here is a site that is rather complicated, but if you read through the chemical formulas you will see why: http://cavemanchemistry.com/cavebook/chp...
For those who do not wish to peruse this site it simply explains the alkalinity of ash and its detrimental effects on helpless bacteria. One of the components of ash is potash (a combination of potassium and ash) one of the ingredients of soap.
Most living things like a PH of 7.0 Potash when concentrated can get as high as 14. Yep bacteria sizzle and die.
It works only when dry, the water disolves it and washes it away.
yes ash will work, so long as you are careful for any residue. It will also neutralise any odours
Well, in 5th grade I watched this video and it turns out soap is made out ash and animal fat