*1st hadith*: ---- In Sunan Abu Dawd. Under Chapter: Washing the hands before eating(12): >Narrated Salman al-Farsi: I read in the Torah that the blessing of food consists in ablution before it. So I mentioned it to the Prophet (ﷺ). He said: The blessing of food consists in ablution before it and ablution after it. Sufyan disapproved of performing ablution before taking food. [Sunan Abu Dawud - sunnah.com][1] **Abu Dawud and Albani said: Hadith is weak.** *2nd Hadith*: ---- >Kathir bin Sulaim narrated that he heard Anas bin Malik say: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever would like Allah to increase the goodness of his house, should perform ablution (wash hands) when his breakfast is brought to him and when it is taken away.’" [Sunan Ibn Majjah - sunnah.com][2]. **Also Weak hadith** ------ Although these hadiths are weak, it is ok to follow them since they are considered Fada'el al A'amal(فضائل الأعمال). http://islam.stackexchange.com/questions/13272/what-does-fazail-e-amaal-mean/13273#13273 Also, there were no mention of soap. So you are free to use whichever material that helps clean your hands. [1]: http://sunnah.com/abudawud/28/26 [2]: http://sunnah.com/urn/1333850