How to Find the Right Hand Sanitisers
Not all hand sanitisers are created equally. To find the right hand sanitiser, the most important factor is its alcohol content but how you apply your sanitizing product is also a factor in its effectiveness.
The key is to use a sanitiser that contains at least 60%-95% alcohol to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to other people. On the hand sanitiser labels, the alcohol may be listed as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. As long as the hand sanitiser has the appropriate alcohol percentage, it is fine, regardless of the other ingredients listed.
However, you should be wary of other hand sanitiser or sanitation products that claim to contain alternative disinfecting ingredients that’s just as effective as alcohol, like coconut oil, because that is not the case.
How to Properly Use a Hand Sanitiser
Using a hand sanitiser may be a good idea but how you apply it affects how effective it is.
Check the recommended amount to dispense a Hand Sanitiser
Before applying the product to your hands, do check the recommended amount to dispense on the label, as it can vary based on the alcohol percentage your sanitiser has. Rub the sanitiser to coat your hands entirely and let it completely dry. Avoid wiping any off before it dries or it will not be as effective.
Avoid using on greasy or visibly dirty hands
If your hands are greasy from eating a burger, a hand sanitiser will not be able to kill bacteria. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before applying a hand sanitiser. However, if you frequently play sports, work outdoors, or handle food, you should always wash your hands immediately after the activity instead of relying on a hand sanitiser.
Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitisers can cause alcohol poisoning
Believe it or not, there have been cases of children accidentally swallowing contents of a hand sanitiser. These hand sanitiser types are safe when used as directed but they can cause alcohol poisoning if a person swallows more than a couple of mouthfuls. Hence, they should be kept out of the reach of young children and should only be used with adult supervision.
Apply your hand sanitiser according to the product’s label
When using a hand sanitiser, remember to apply the product to the palm of one hand as per the instructions on the label of the product. Rub the product all over the surfaces of your hands until your hands are dry.
Alcohol-based sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs
These sanitiser types can reduce the number of microbes on our hands in some situations but they do not eliminate all types of germs. Washing your hands with soap and water is still more effective at removing certain kinds of germs compared to hand sanitisers.
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