Preventing the spread of germs has never been more important than it is now. Unfortunately, you may not always have access to soap and warm water. However, it's still possible to prevent the spread of germs and keep yourself safe by using hand sanitizer!
Making sure you know how to use hand sanitizer and when it's necessary can help keep you protected from unwanted germs. Read further to learn more about proper hand sanitizer use
- Preventing the spread of germs has never been more important than it is now. Unfortunately, you may not always have access to soap and warm water. However, it's still possible to prevent the spread of germs and keep yourself safe by using hand sanitizer!
Making sure you know how to use hand sanitizer and when it's necessary can help keep you protected from unwanted germs. Read further to learn more about proper hand sanitizer use.
Type of Hand Sanitizer to Use
When soap and warm water are not readily available, it's important to have hand sanitizer on you.
Whether you've just left the grocery store or the dog park, it's essential to use hand sanitizer to prevent carrying germs around with you.
With that being said, all hand sanitizer is not created equal! Some formulas of sanitizer don't contain enough alcohol to be fully effective. It's important to always use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. This ensures that you're actually killing the germs and preventing them from following you around.
How to Use Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can be toxic to humans and animals. If ingested, it can cause alcohol poisoning. When using hand sanitizer, it's important to supervise young children and pets. Immediately call poison control if you believe your child or anyone you know has swallowed hand sanitizer.
When it comes time to use hand sanitizer, make sure to use enough to fully cover the entire surface of your hands. Always rub the hand sanitizer into your hands until it has fully dried. This should take approximately 15 to 20 seconds.
It's important to NEVER rinse off hand sanitizer with water before it has fully dried. Hand sanitizer may not be as effective if diluted.
When to Use Hand Sanitizer
Knowing when to use hand sanitizer is just as essential as knowing how to use it. Although using warm water and soap is the preferred method for cleaning your hands, using hand sanitizer is still an effective way to kill germs.
Here are a few examples of a good time to use hand sanitizer if you don't have access to soap and warm water:
- After leaving a restaurant
- Before eating at a restaurant
- Getting into a car (your own, uber, taxi, etc)
- At the dog park
- After seeing a loved one
- After visiting someone in the hospital
- After shopping
- Leaving the grocery store
Should you Use Hand Sanitizer?
The short answer to this is yes. Knowing when and how to use hand sanitizer is essential during this time.
However, it's important to remember that hand sanitizer should never replace regular hand washing. In settings where hands may become overly greasy or dirty (chefs, mechanics, etc), it's essential to keep up a regular hand washing regime. Studies show that hand sanitizer may not work as well on hands that have heavily soiled.
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Stay safe everyone!