Alcohol Hand Sanitizer Effectiveness

Waterless hand sanitizers are an effective method to kill germs and bacteria on the hands. However, a few precautions should be made when purchasing a hand sanitizer in order to maximize effectiveness.

Contents

A hand sanitizer should contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Other hand sanitizers that contain less may not be as effective in killing bacteria and viruses.

Forms of Alcohol

Alcohols in hand sanitizers may not always be listed as "alcohols." Instead, check for ingredients such as ethyl alcohol, ethanol and isopropanol.

How Alcohol Works

The alcohol in hand sanitizers gets into the bacterial and viral cells and breaks up the cell membranes. Then, the alcohol changes the cell's structure to where it can no longer function.

Use

Apply about 1/2 tsp. of sanitizer to the palms of your hands. Rub your hands together vigorously until the hands are dry. This may at least 10 to 15 seconds.

Benefits

When used properly, alcohol-based sanitizers can be more effective than hand washing in killing bacteria and diseases.

Non-Recommended Use

Hand sanitizers are not to be used to cut through dirt, blood or other bodily fluids. As a rule, if the hands are visibly dirty, soap and water should be used.

References

• Hand Sanitizers, Good or Bad?
• Hand Sanitizer Alert
• Hand Washing: An Easy Way to Prevent Infection