Hand sanitizer dependent on alcohol is user friendly, compact and always easy to find. Although there's a good way to use hand sanitizer to get the most out of it, knowing when using it might not be the best option is probably more important. Hand sanitizer will help destroy bacteria but it does not work on all germs and can do little with other substances that might be on your hands.

Laboratory tests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that alcohol-based hand sanitizers made from 60% ethanol and 70% isopropanol are capable of genetically inactivating COVID-19.1 associated viruses.

Use Sanitizer When...

You can't wash with soap and water
You want added protection after washing

Don't Use Sanitizer...

In place of washing with soap and water
When your hands are visibly soiled
When you have chemicals on your hands

The CDC suggests sanitizers with an alcohol content of at least 60%. Most goods contain between 60% and 95%, but don't assume that the more powerful the percentages are. Such goods do need to contain some water to be able to function at peak performance.

Some items on the market claim to have your hands sanitized but contain too little alcohol or no alcohol. These products probably won't have enough security for you.

How to Use It?
When hand sanitizers do work, their effectiveness depends on many factors. In addition to the product you're using, they include:

-How well you're using
-Proper Technique
-Consistency

Other circumstances where using a hand sanitizer may be acceptable include when you're driving public transportation, shaking hands or holding an object, after holding a shopping cart, etc.

To correctly use hand sanitizer:

-Position the required amount in the palm of one hand. (Read the instructions from the manufacturer.)
-Bring your hands together and cover your whole hand, even between your fingers.
-When your skin is dry, avoid rubbing in the sanitizer.

What not to use?
Hand sanitizer should not be used instead of soap and water when:

-Washing is convenient
-Your hands are greasy or obviously dirty
-You have chemicals on your hands
-You could have been exposed to infectious agents that are not destroyed by hand sanitizer
-You are in a situation of high infection

To keep you and your family safe, it is especially necessary to clean. It is safe to wash your hands vigorously with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.

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