Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands.
In most settings hand washing with soap and water is generally preferred. Hand sanitizer is less effective at killing certain kinds of germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile and unlike soap and water, it cannot remove harmful chemicals. People may incorrectly wipe off hand sanitizer before it has dried, and some are less effective because their alcohol concentrations are too low.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works against a wide variety of microorganisms but not spores. compounds such as glycerol may be added to prevent drying of the skin.
Non-alcohol based versions typically contain benzalkonium chloride or triclosan; but are less effective than alcohol-based ones.
Alcohol has been used as an antiseptic as early as 1363, with evidence to support its use becoming available in the late 1800s. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.
How to use hand sanitizer
- Apply product to the palm of one hand.
- Rub hands together.
- Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.
- Do not go near flame or gas burner or any burning object during application of hand sanitizer.
Step by step guide to make sanitizer
The materials needed include:
- Two parts isopropyl alcohol or ethanol (91–99 percent alcohol)
- One-part aloe vera gel
- a few drops tea tree
- any fragrance of choice
If you’re making hand sanitizer at home you must adhere to these tips:
• Make the hand sanitizer in a clean space. Wipe down countertops with a diluted bleach solution beforehand.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before making the hand sanitizer.
• To mix, use a clean spoon and whisk. Wash these items thoroughly before using them.
• Make sure the alcohol used for the hand sanitizer is not diluted.
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they’re well blended.
• Don’t touch the mixture with your hands until it’s ready for use.
