What Does Hand Sanitiser Actually Do?
In today's health-conscious world, having a bottle of hand sanitiser within arms' reach at all times has become second nature. But have you ever wondered what this seemingly crucial liquid actually does? We have all become experts at squirting hand sanitiser into our palms between hand washes, but the question remains: is it effective at protecting us against germs?
Join us as we explore the science behind hand sanitisers, how they kill germs, and whether they effectively maintain our health and hygiene.
- What is Hand Sanitiser?
- How Does Hand Sanitiser Work?
- Is Hand Sanitiser Effective at Killing Germs?
- Washing Your Hands or Using Hand Sanitiser: Which Is Better?
- Hand Sanitiser FAQs
What is Hand Sanitiser?
Hand sanitiser is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to kill germs and infectious bacteria on the hands. It is often used as an alternative to hand washing and is listed on the WHO’s List of Essential Medicines.
To use hand sanitiser effectively, individuals should apply a squirt on one hand and then rub both hands together, covering the entire surface until dry.
How Does Hand Sanitiser Work?
Hand sanitisers, especially those containing alcohol, have become essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of germs.
Key Ingredients
The primary ingredient in most hand sanitisers is alcohol, usually ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol). Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are only effective if they contain at least 60% alcohol, which is essential for killing germs. Ingredients such as glycerin have been added to newer hand sanitisers to prevent the skin from drying out, ensuring the sanitiser is not too harsh.
How Does It Work
Microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are composed of proteins and lipids that are essential for their survival. Alcohol destroys these disease-causing agents, also known as pathogens, by disrupting the lipid membrane that encases many bacteria and viruses and breaking the proteins apart, effectively killing the microorganisms.
Is Hand Sanitiser Effective at Killing Germs?
Research has shown that once the concentration of alcohol in hand sanitiser exceeds 60%, it can kill a wider variety of bacteria and viruses at a faster rate.
One reason alcohol is so effective at protecting us against germs is that it evaporates quickly, meaning it does not leave behind a residue that could foster germs. This rapid evaporation also ensures that the sanitiser dries quickly on your hands, making it always convenient for use.
Another strength of alcohol-based hand sanitiser is that the bacteria it kills do not develop a resistance to it over time; this means that alcohol retains the same level of effectiveness with continued use.
However, hand sanitisers are not effective against all types of germs; for example, they are less effective against certain viruses such as norovirus, and they do not remove harmful chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, grease, or dirt from your skin.
Washing Your Hands or Using Hand Sanitiser: Which Is Better?
Hand sanitisers are crucial for convenient cleaning. These little bottles of liquid play a vital role in peak respiratory virus season (October to April), as you can clean your hands at any moment. It can be challenging to wash your hands every time you sneeze or cough, especially when you are outdoors or in the car. This is what makes hand sanitisers so convenient, as they enable people to clean their hands until they reach a restroom.
Whenever possible, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with antibacterial soap and warm water provides the best protection against pesky germs. Soap and warm water are typically better at removing certain types of germs, harmful chemicals, and dirt.
Warm water and soap excel at preserving the good bacteria on your hands. Your whole body is covered in bacteria, some of which are natural and beneficial. Using hand sanitiser can strip your hands of good bacteria, causing them to be replaced by potentially harmful bacteria.
Hand Sanitiser FAQs
Are hand sanitisers bad for you?
There is no evidence to suggest that alcohol-based hand sanitisers are harmful to use. However, there is also no evidence that they better protect you from dangerous bacteria than warm water and soap. While hand sanitisers can be used when you do not have access to soap and water, washing your hands is almost always the better choice.
Is hand sanitiser effective enough after using the bathroom?
Hand sanitisers are not effective at removing dirt from hands. It is crucial to always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom rather than relying on hand sanitiser.
Should I wash my hands after using hand sanitiser?
It is suggested that you use hand sanitiser no more than four times before washing your hands. Although sanitisers are effective in killing the bacteria on your hands, soap, and water will remove dirt, debris, and germs from your hands.
Explore Our Effective Germ Removing Solutions
At Woosh, we want to help you find an effective hand-cleaning solution to protect your hands and maintain your health and hygiene. Our products are designed to offer maximum protection while offering an eco-friendly solution to removing germs from your hands.
Explore our range of hand sanitising solutions and soaps, which are guaranteed to protect your hands against bacteria and viruses.
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