Top 7 Best Steps to Use Hand Sanitizer Properly

Washing our hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds can help stop the spread of infection – especially after using the loo, before and after every meal, and after coughing or sneezing.

If you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based item containing the least preferred alcohol percentage. Rub it all over your hands, making sure to get between your fingers and on the back also. No need to wipe or rinse off and just let it dry.

It will not work if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy; wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly. Since the lockdown began, we are following two things—wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds and always use hand sanitizer. We all are pros at hand washing. But, some people still do not know the right way to use sanitizer.

If you thought it is just squeezing a drop on your palms and rubbing them frantically, well, you are wrong! There is a correct way to use it to be effective. Here, we are going to tell you how.

Choose the Right One

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some name-brand sanitizers are harder to find. Instead, you may see new brands in the market. Read the product label carefully before buying. Choose at least 60% alcohol-based product.

The hand sanitizers containing methanol can be toxic when rubbed into the skin. Some products claim as containing ethanol or ethyl alcohol but have methanol as their main ingredient. In addition, the FDA has not approved any hand sanitizers, so steer clear of brands labelled FDA-approved.

Use Inappropriate Amount

The major mistake that many people make is using too little or too much of it.
The WHO recommends applying a coin-sized amount of gel. In other words, you need just enough of it to cover both sides of your hands and between your fingers – just as you do with hand soap. The process should take at least 20 seconds. Later your hands should be dry. Don't wipe or rinse off the gel.

Keep It Out of Your Eyes

Be especially careful not to get hand sanitizer in your eyes because it can cause burning and damage the eye. Keep an eye on your young ones, especially when they are around the dispensers or containers of sanitizer. If it gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water as soon as possible, and call a health care help immediately.

Use It in a Well-Ventilated Area

If you are using it in a closed area. Such as a car, open the windows to improve ventilation until the hands are dry. So that you may not ingest, that can even cause congestion.

No DIY's

The FDA does not recommend that consumers make their own at home. The wrong method can be ineffective – or worse. For instance, there have been reports of skin burns from homemade things.

Also, adding alcohol to non-alcohol one will give a non-effective product. Using disinfectant sprays or wipes may cause skin and eye irritation. They are to clean surfaces, not people or animals.

Keep It Out of the Reach of Children

It is not edible. That is particularly important for young children, especially toddlers, who may easily get attracted by the pleasant smell or brightly coloured bottles. Intake of even a little small quantity of it can cause alcohol poisoning in children. Keep away from the reach of your pets also. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially dangerous, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control centre right away.

Storage

Chances are there that you must be using more of it these days than ever before. As everything has a shelf life, the alcohol content gradually keeps dropping as the expiration date approaches. Dispose of the expired one and get a new bottle.
Store it in a cool and dry place. Do not allow direct sunlight and repeated exposure to heat.

When you return home, bring your sanitizer inside instead of tossing it into the glovebox or a cup holder. While there is quite a low risk of combustion, extreme heat can speed up alcohol evaporation—especially if air gets inside the bottle.
It is highly flammable. Therefore, store it away from heat and flames.

You can find a variety of Hand Sanitizers at Brooklyn Equipment. All FDA approved with sufficient alcohol percentage.