Hand sanitizers are a great way to maintain hand hygiene when you’re on the go and don’t have access to hand-washing facilities, but they don’t eliminate all germs.
Hand sanitizers are a quick and easy way to help prevent you from getting sick or spreading germs to others — but they don’t eliminate them all. When handwashing isn’t possible, using hand sanitizer is a great option for protecting you and reducing the spread of germs.
Let’s take a closer look:
❓What is hand sanitizer?
Hand sanitizers are liquid, gel, or foam products used to reduce or eliminate germs on the hands when soap and water aren’t available. They effectively kill most bacteria, viruses, and even some fungi. This makes them a convenient and useful option for maintaining hand hygiene, especially when you encounter harmful germs, like during flu season or a pandemic.
🧪 What’s in it?
There are two types of hand sanitizers: alcohol-based and alcohol-free.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends alcohol-based sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol, although both are commercially available.
The main ingredient in most hand sanitizers is alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol), which kills germs by breaking down their proteins and membranes. For a sanitizer to work effectively, it should contain at least 60% alcohol. Some also include moisturizers, like glycerin, to prevent dry skin and fragrances for a pleasant smell.
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers typically contain benzalkonium chloride, an antimicrobial agent. For this to work effectively, the concentration should be 0.13%, so always check the label.
🦠 Which germs does it target?
When used properly, hand sanitizers are highly effective against viruses like the one that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza viruses. They also work well against various bacteria, including streptococcus (which can lead to strep throat), E. coli, and salmonella (both common causes of diarrhea and vomiting), among others!
👎 What is it less effective for?
Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers for tackling Norovirus (AKA “the stomach flu”), clostridium difficile (bacterial diarrhea) and Cryptosporidium (AKA “Crypto”, watery diarrhea caused by a parasite) to name a few of the most common ones.
⁉️Can I still use hand sanitizer if it is past its expiration date?
Hand sanitizers have a shelf life of about 2 to 3 years. Since they are classified as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they must display an expiration date on the label.
If you have a bottle that hasn’t been used for a while, the alcohol inside may evaporate over time, making it less effective. While using expired hand sanitizer isn’t harmful, the reduced alcohol content may not kill germs as efficiently. To stay safe, it’s best to replace any sanitizer that has passed its expiration date.
♻️ How do you safely dispose of old hand sanitizer?
Disposing of hand sanitizer should be done carefully. If you have a small amount left, it’s best to let it evaporate completely by leaving the bottle open in a well-ventilated area. If there’s a significant amount left, it should be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility, as the alcohol in the sanitizer is considered flammable and shouldn’t be poured down the drain or thrown in the trash.
✔️How do I use hand sanitizer correctly?
💦 Apply the Right Amount: Squeeze a generous amount of hand sanitizer into the palm of one hand. The amount should be enough to cover all surfaces of your hands and fingers, typically around a dime-sized amount.
🙏 Rub Your Hands Together: Vigorously rub your hands together, ensuring that the sanitizer covers all parts of your hands. This includes the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Pay special attention to the tips of your fingers, as they often come into contact with surfaces.
⏳ Continue Rubbing Until Dry: Keep rubbing your hands together until they feel completely dry. This usually takes around 20-30 seconds. Avoid touching surfaces or wiping your hands before the sanitizer has dried as this can reduce its effectiveness.
REMEMBER:
❗Hand sanitizer is most effective when your hands are not visibly dirty or greasy. In those cases, washing with soap and water is preferable.
❗Hand sanitizer should not replace regular handwashing, especially after using the restroom or handling food.
❗Always read the label, ensure correct use, and keep away from children.
Hand hygiene is just one part of staying healthy! To protect yourself and others, don’t forget to stay home if you’re sick, get tested when needed, mask up, and ensure good ventilation. And remember—vaccines are widely available to protect us from many diseases. Let’s use every tool we’ve got!
Stay safe, stay well, and wash or sanitize those hands!
Love,
Those Nerdy Girls
References:
Previous TNG posts on hand hygiene:
Does hand sanitizer really kill bacteria and viruses?
Why does good hand washing work to prevent the spread of germs?
