15 Oct, 2022

We cannot see microorganisms with bare eyes, but they are literally everywhere. If you leverage the power of a microscope, then you can realize the significance of the statement. Needless to say, human hands are no exception when it comes to detecting the presence of microorganisms. 

While the combination of running water and soap has been in practice for ages to combat bacteria, today’s era needs an advanced solution, and what can be a better option than hand sanitizer in this regard? This portable solution helps users to combat infections and many other health complications without the use of running water.

Although making use of hand sanitizers has become a new normal during the Covid-19 pandemic phase, there are still many lesser-known facts revolving around hand sanitizers.

5 Interesting yet Lesser-Known Facts about Hand Sanitizers

Cleaning Products cannot be an Alternative Solution to Hand Sanitizers:

Did you know cleaning products, such as antibacterial cleaning products or disinfectant sprays, cannot make a substitute for hand sanitizers? In other words, these cleaning products are ideal for durable yet nonporous surfaces. Needless to say, these products are not meant for human skin, according to the FDA. 

Nonetheless, some individuals are involved in unsafe practices like applying household cleaning products to the skin, inhaling disinfectants or cleaners, and so on. And these high-risk practices must be prohibited at any cost.

Hand Sanitizers cannot address all Microorganisms Equally:

You must know that there are different types of microorganisms present in the world based on structures, characteristics, and so on. That means you cannot expect a specific kind of hand sanitizer to address all types of germs with equal efficacy. 

However, a majority of best-in-class hand sanitizers can work on and eliminate up to 99.99% of the most common microorganisms, which pose health threats to human beings. Therefore, you need to be sure about the profile of a hand sanitizer before finalizing your purchase.

There is an appropriate way to use Hand Sanitizer:

All of us know that there is a right way to use soap and water to wash our hands. However, did you know that the same rule applies to hand sanitizers? Hence, you need to follow the instructions carefully mentioned on the pack of hand sanitizer if you wish to extract the optimum benefits from it.

When it comes to application, different hand sanitizers work in different quantities. In addition, it may take different duration for different sanitizers to start their operation. Therefore, you need to be familiar with all these aspects before using a hand sanitizer product. 

In other words, hand sanitizers only work when they are used in the right manner. You have to take the mentioned quantity of your hand sanitizer to your palm and spread it all over your hand. Note that it should cover the whole surface of both of your hands.

Do not forget to emphasize the fingertips of your hands to eliminate germs from those areas, as fingertips are more susceptible to coming into contact with germs from most surfaces. 

Keep rubbing the sanitizer into both your hands until the skin becomes dry properly. The whole process may take around 20 seconds. It is a crucial step to allow the hand sanitizers to soak into your skin to get all the benefits from the product. 

Hand Sanitizers cannot substitute Soap and Water:

It is true hand sanitizers come as a lifesaver when there is no access to soap and/or running water. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the fact that hand sanitizers cannot replace proper hand washing with soap and running water. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), you should hand sanitizer when soap and water are inaccessible.

Note that you have to visit the sink post-use of the restroom, after cooking, eating, or using chemicals, and when your hands become dirty. 

Even after recollecting the importance of proper washing, it is next to impossible to ignore the role of hand sanitizers in today’s world. Many people do not wash their hands properly even after having access to soap and running water. Therefore, hand sanitizers can really come in handy for them, as they can at least stay safe from various germs ready to attack in full force.

Moreover, hand sanitizer dispensers placed at appropriate locations throughout a place can lessen the spread of microorganisms as well as infections. When it comes to buying hand sanitizers for public or commercial places, it is a must to opt for products with 60% to 95% concentration as well as added moisturizers.

Hand Sanitizers surpass Soap and Water in Specific Circumstances:

It is true that proper hand washing with soap and running water can do wonders when it comes to eliminating microorganisms and grime. Hence, hand sanitizers can work as a backup solution to the above hand-washing procedure. 

In other words, hand sanitizers act as a boon when there is no access to clean running water or soap or a sink, or a clean towel. However, did you know there are some situations when hand sanitizers can outshine soap and water? 

According to the CDC, hand sanitizers should be preferred in specific situations, such as post-interaction with near and dear ones in a healthcare clinic or nursing home. That is why hand sanitizer dispensers are placed right outside patient rooms. 

A quick spray of hand sanitizer can keep dangerous microorganisms at bay, which safeguards the health of not only the visitors but also the patients in a hospital. Therefore, it is a good practice to leverage the power of hand sanitizers on a daily basis when it comes to interacting with individuals with a compromised immune systems.

When are Hand Sanitizers less or not applicable?

Did you know hand sanitizers are not much effective when it comes to destroying Norovirus, Cryptosporidium, or Clostridium difficile (all of these microorganisms cause diarrhea)? In addition, hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are extremely greasy or dirty. These products may not work well in removing heavy metals or hazardous chemicals.

Opt for the Best Hand Sanitizer

We all know how hand sanitizers can be an effective solution to combat microorganisms and prevent spreading infections. Nevertheless, you always have to choose a best-in-class product to get all the benefits you are hoping for. 

Another worth-noting fact is that homemade hand sanitizers are not as effective as factory-made hand sanitizers. Although there is no dearth of techniques for DIY hand sanitizers online, the sensitive matter of addressing microorganisms should be left to professionals. 

That is why when it comes to hand sanitizer, you should only buy one from a reliable brand. Note that incorrectly-made hand sanitizers may not only be ineffective but also cause skin burns. In other words, it is not possible for an inexperienced individual to manufacture a factory-like hand sanitizer at home. 

Aqua Salveo Human Glove Hand Sanitizer is such a product that you can always count on. It is an innovative alcohol-free protective solution that can remain active for four to seven hours.

Wrapping Up

Although soap and running water are extremely effective to control infections, they remove microorganisms instead of destroying them. On the other hand, best-in-class hand sanitizers can destroy most microorganisms on the skin. 

The world has witnessed an unexpected pandemic due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus. However, the good news is that hand sanitizers can destroy the Covid-19 virus, according to scientists. It marks the significance of hand sanitizers in the current world.