Using a hand sanitizer is always good for personal hygiene. However, finding a good sanitizer is difficult. A quick walk down the supermarket store will show you rows upon rows of sanitizers and almost all of them promise to work wonders. How do you pick and use a reliable alcohol based sanitiser that will keep you safe?
Let’s find out.
- Check the ingredient list. Alcohol based sanitizers will contain mostly ethanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropanol or 2-propanol.
- Ensure that the product contains atleast 60% alcohol to ensure the most protection.
- Alcohol based products may be combined with non-alcoholic products like triclosan and quaternary ammonium compounds. This just increases the effectiveness of the hand sterilizer.
- Check the FDA’s list of hand sanitizers that have been banned or are not recommended for use. The FDA websites updates it list regularly. You can also check the NDC Directory for more information.
- Do not use sanitizers that are packaged as food or drink products. These may result in people inadvertently eating or drinking these products resulting in food poisoning.
- Rub the product into your hands for a minimum of 40 seconds to ensure the product covers your hands completely.
- Do not rinse the product off. Wait and air dry your hands before touching any surfaces.
- Medical-grade hand sanitizers are the best. These are generally used in clinics and hospitals and are specially designed to kill surface bacteria. However, they do tend to be harsh on the skin.
- Type of sanitizer is also important. For example, gel formulations are pretty easy to use while sprays may tend to miss areas on your hands. Apart from gel and spray, you will also find liquid formulations that are dispensed through press top dispensers. All of them work well provided you cover all surface areas and use it as recommended.
- Follow the instructions on the product. Do not use hand sterilizers as body or surface sterilizers or vice versa.
- Cost will tend to vary considerably. For example, buying online will be far cheaper than retail stores. However, medical-grade sterilizer is expensive as it is extremely effective.
We hope these tips help you find the best sanitizers for your requirements. Do remember to rub the products into your hands for a minimum of 30 seconds and air dry your hands. This will provide maximum protection and ensure optimum hygiene.
