Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. WHO acknowledges the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), in particular the members of the Infection Control Programme, for their active participation in developing this material. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. Use just enough so it can fight off the germs on your hands. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified. Before and after visiting a friend or loved one in a hospital or nursing home, unless the person is sick with Clostridioides difficile (if so, use soap and water to wash hands). Choose hand sanitizers that contain less than 60% alcohol. Due to its alcohol content, hand sanitizer may irritate the wounds. 3. Spray or apply the sanitizer to the palm of one hand. This is achieved through regular hand washing with soap and running water or regular use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The organization published a new study in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, which concludes that most people aren't using sanitizers properly : more specifically, we don't rub the solution in for nearly enough time . With that in mind, here are some tips for using hand sanitizer effectively. Check the product label and follow these do’s and don’ts. from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Using hand sanitizer in restaurants can be a great step toward maintaining a stellar health department record. Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. If you use a hand sanitizer, make sure the product contains at least 60% alcohol. 4 with palm of other 5 Rub fingertips of each hand in opposite palm. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Choose hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol. But if soap and water are not readily available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. CDC twenty four seven. Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities. If you don't like people being close to you, go to the back of the line or say excuse me. Finally, allow your hands to air dry until your skin has fully absorbed the sanitizer. Take off all rings and other jewelry that may be covering the surfaces of your hands. However, when that’s not an option, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. If you are handling the food with your hands rather than with utensils, be aware that the distinctly unpleasant flavor of the sanitizer might affect the taste of your food, such as if it is wiped onto a hamburger bun. Follow up with a moisturizing hand cream to help. Apply Hand Sanitizer Correctly After applying the gel, rub it in thoroughly. 6 Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand. Alternatively, perhaps don't eat the part of the food you held, to avoid tasting the hand sanitizer. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html, http://www.foodinsight.org/when-to-use-hand-sanitizers-wash-hands-hygiene, http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/over-counter-products/article/6-things-know-about-hand-sanitizers, https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm509097.htm, пользоваться дезинфицирующим средством для рук, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. hand. Hand sanitizer is recommended for when you cannot access soap and water, like when you're on-the-go or living in a refugee camp. But what if there is no hand sanitizer? Supervise young children when they use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wrong. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. If you have dirty hands, you should wash them first, then apply the hand sanitizer. I do not appreciate people rubbing their hands toward me at close proximity! Use hand sanitizer when there is no water to use. To receive email updates about COVID-19, enter your email address: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Show Me the Science – When & How to Use Hand Sanitizer in Community Settings. How to Use Hand Sanitizer Effectively. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer out of your eyes. Avoid touching your face even if you put on sanitizer, just get out of that habit at all times. When hand sanitizers do work, their effectiveness is based on several factors. Otherwise, if you nothing gets worse, just remember to never do this again. Store alcohol-based hand sanitizer out of reach and sight of young children. If you rely on hand sanitizer to keep you safe from coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an extremely important message for you to hear. The CDC, FDA, and Mayo Clinic agree on the best way to use hand sanitizer to maximize efficacy: Coat surfaces of your hands with the wet sanitizer. Which alcohol-based hand sanitizer do you choose? However, restaurant health codes also mandate thorough hand washing practices. from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. For advice on how to decide between using hand sanitizer or washing with soap, read on! FDA Warningexternal icon. Tip: Hand sanitizer with a high alcohol content can dry out your skin and may cause irritation. Hand sanitizer is less effective at killing certain kinds of germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile and unlike hand washing, it cannot physically remove harmful chemicals. Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Additionally, rub the sanitizer around your fingernails and about 2 inches up each wrist. When soap and water aren’t available, nothing’s more effective than scrubbing hands clean of germs and bacteria than hand sanitizer, but proper application procedures are needed to ensure hand sanitizers can do their job and cleanse hands of all microorganisms. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers come in all shapes and sizes with different ingredients. Do not wipe or bathe your pet with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. If you have been exposed to any chemicals or pesticides, you should wash the exposed area with soap and water and consult with a doctor if necessary. The CDC recommends that when using hand sanitizer, you should apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount) … Choose hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol (often listed on the label as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, or 2-propanol). Check the label to find out the appropriate amount. Proper technique 3. If you use hand sanitizer often, proper hygiene is obviously important to you. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not designed to clear or disinfect surfaces. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, we all need to "Do the 5". Using hand sanitizer is a fast and effective way to clean your hands and get rid of lingering germs. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) We use cookies to make wikiHow great. To use hand sanitizer correctly:3 1. I was exposed to a sick baby and I was an hour away from my house, so I washed my face with hand sanitizer, and now I can't see it my left eye. Swallow alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Do not use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy; wash your hands with soap and water instead. If you are at home, you don't need to use it unless you are recovering from surgery, ill or your doctor has advised it. The hand sanitizer removes bacteria, but it does not clean your hands. Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer. This article has been viewed 137,560 times. How to Use When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Obviously, soap and water is the number one way to clean hands. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Use a little though, as you would not want to dry out your hands but use enough so it could fight off the bacteria and viruses that might be on your hands. Like washing your hands at a sink, this process should take about 20 seconds. Whether you are out playing a sport, gardening in your lawn, or just eating a snack, many daily activities require you to use your hands, which in turn can get dirty. The FDA is warning consumers about alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are being packaged in containers that may appear as food or drinks and some that contain food flavors. In addition to which product you use, they include: 1. How much you use 2. In this case, washing your hands with warm water and soap more is best. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. In most settings hand washing with soap and water is generally preferred. Hand sanitizer should be used for when you are on the go in public places and cannot wash your hands. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer out of your eyes. How to use hand sanitizer Rub hands for at least 15 seconds 1 Apply 1 to Rub back of each hand 2 pumps of product to palms of dry hands. Then, squirt a quarter-sized dollop of sanitizer onto your hands and gently rub them together for 30 seconds. Your eye situation will most likely subside in 10 minutes, but if you fear you have gotten the sanitizer in your eye, you need to wash it out or see a doctor. Do I need to wash my hands after using sanitizer if I want to eat? Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. No, as long as you don't put a lot of sanitizer on and your hands have dried. Choose alcohol-based hand sanitizers packaged in a container that resembles a food or beverage container. Proper handwashing reduces the amount of all germs and chemicals, and it gives you the best chance at preventing illness. The lowest volume of hand sanitizer in the calculator, 59 mL, would be good for the equivalent of using sanitizer before and after meals, as well as possible after you go out. Follow these steps: Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand. Is Your Hand Sanitizer on FDA’s List of Products You Should Not Use? You should never apply hand sanitizer to your face. Should the sanitizer contain alcohol or be alcohol free? Before using hand sanitizer, remove as much dirt, grease, or food from your hands, along with rings or other jewelry so the sanitizer can effectively clean your hands. Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 to get help if someone swallows hand sanitizer. It depends on the size of the buffet, number of diners, etc. Hand sanitizer works best when used correctly. Why else it is specifically called hand sanitizer? Thoroughly rub your hands together. You shouldn't be able to taste it, unless it's a scented one. Sanitizing technique matters. If this is possible, it is best to wash your hands with soap and water, as long as you don't have to touch any doors or surfaces after washing before returning to your meal. If your pet gets alcohol-based hand sanitizer on their skin or fur, rinse or wipe down your pet with water immediately. Yes, but be sure to use it just before you begin to eat, then use it after eating as well, for good hygiene. Apply to hand sanitizer to hands, rub quickly on hands, 99.9 percent of germs gone, right? If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. However, there is no need to be concerned if your children eat with or lick their hands after using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 3 Rub in between and around fingers. Do we have to use water if hand sanitizer is used before eating food. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. Some hand sanitizers contain moisturizers to help with the alcohol’s drying effect. The ones that contain alot of alcohol are the most effective type since alcohol kills germs. Hand sanitizers can help protect you from infections -- both viral and bacterial -- when used correctly and in the right scenarios. Warning: Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. Properly apply alcohol-based sanitizer by rubbing the gel over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. But if at home in isolation, wash your hands more often, using soap and warm water; save the hand sanitizer for when you out (the exception is if you are ill at home or recovering from surgery, then you will benefit from having hand sanitizer next to your recovery spot, to save you from having to visit the washing basins too often.) Here are seven commonly found products you can use in … As a result, directives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated that people maintain good hand hygiene to minimize the risk of contracting the coronavirus. DO . Store hand sanitizer away from heat and always remember to pop the lid back on or it may leak in a bag, pocket, etc. 4. The alcohol in hand sanitizer breaks down fat, which is the main component in an organism’s membrane, Dr. Romero explains. To prevent the spread of germs, including COVID-19, CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because it reduces the amount of many types of germs and chemicals on hands. Apply the recommended amount to the palm of your hand (make sure it's enough to cover the entire surface of both hands) and distribute the sanitizer all over, paying special attention to the fingertips, “because that's where you touch most other things,” Larson says. How far away from another person's plate in the buffet line should one be? This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. 7 Alternatives to Hand Sanitizer. This article has been viewed 137,560 times. Put enough sanitizer on your hands to cover all surfaces. Rinse or wipe off the alcohol-based hand sanitizer before it’s dry; it may not work well against germs. If on the go, it's best to use a little bit of sanitizer after touching surfaces other people have access to and are touching, like seats, handles, doorknobs, transport holding straps, doors, utensils, crockery, shelves, etc. What are the do's and don'ts of using hand sanitizer at the moment? Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. Washing your hands with soap is the most effective way to kill COVID-19, which causes the novel coronavirus, since you break down the germs. Keep them out of reach of young children and supervise their use. DO NOT Alcohol-based sanitizers that contain between 60%-95% alcohol work best to reduce the number of germs on your hands. To put it simply, that membrane … We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Supervise young children when they use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Liberally apply the hand sanitizer to the stain and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. Our Expert Agrees: Hand sanitizer doesn't kill all germs, and it may not remove harsh chemicals from your hands. Eating or drinking these products can cause serious injury or death. Rub the area with a cloth or clean toothbrush. However, it is always much better to use water with hand soap cause it’s more effective than hand sanitizer. If possible, rinse and remove all traces of visible organic matter, such as dirt, grease, and food, for the hand sanitizer to be most effective. Washing your hands with warm soap and water for the minimum of 20 seconds is the best option to preventing COVID-19. Pay attention to the back of your hands, thumbs, and between your fingers. It’s as easy as putting a small amount in your hands, rubbing them together for 30 seconds, and…that’s it! Store alcohol-based hand sanitizer out of reach and sight of young children. Store alcohol-based hand sanitizer above 105°F (for example, it should not be stored in a car during the summer months). What type of hand sanitizer is best in preventing COVID-19? Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are not approved by. Place the recommended amount in the palm of one hand. Hand sanitizers may not remove or deactivate harmful chemicals. of Health and Human Services, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid124526-v4-728px-Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health. 2 Rub hands together, palm to palm. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean surfaces. Otherwise, choose a hand-sanitizer with a high alcohol percentage, such as Purell or Dettol. Rub your hands thoroughly until hand sanitizer is dry. 2. (Read the manufacturer's dire… Hand sanitizer should be applied to one palm before rubbing the hands together, the CDC instructs. Was this a bad choice? Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which don't require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and water aren't available. You can share hand sanitizer with family members when out and about; just try not to touch the bottle or nozzle on any parts of the body; instead, squirt the sanitizer directly onto the palms of your hands, then rub. Choose hand sanitizers labeled as “alcohol-free.”. Clear your hands of all debris and jewelry. Q&A for Consumers | Hand Sanitizers and COVID-19, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), People with Developmental & Behavioral Disorders, Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities, Caregivers of People Living with Dementia, Resources for Limited-English-Proficient Populations, Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States, How COVID-19 Travel Health Notice Levels Are Determined, Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the US, Travel Planner Instructions for Health Departments, Crew Disembarkations through Commercial Travel, Road Travel Toolkit for Transportation Partners, Guidance for Handlers of Service & Therapy Animals, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Include your palms, back of hands, and fingertips. The CDC recommends using hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol. ; If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified. References. How many times do I need to use the sanitizer in a day? This pain can be uncomfortable, but it is only temporary. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. If your pet ingests alcohol-based hand sanitizer (such as chewing the bottle) or is showing signs of illness after accidental exposure, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately. As a reminder, hand washing in restaurants should take place after numerous routine activities: Using the bathroom; Touching trash or dirty dishes Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 137,560 times. By using our site, you agree to our. The CDC recommends that hand sanitizer not be used if hands are visibly dirty or greasy. For advice on how to decide between using hand sanitizer or washing with soap, read on! % of people told us that this article helped them. If you notice your skin has a bad reaction to the sanitizer, try one with a different formula. Last Updated: September 21, 2020 Rub your hands together until they feel dry (this should take around 20 seconds). Consistency Some situations in which use of a hand sanitizer may be appropriate include when you're riding public transportation, have shaken hands or touched an animal, after you've touched a grocery cart, and so on. Are we able to eat food after using hand sanitizer? Is it necessary to wash my hands before applying sanitizer? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) High alcohol percentage, such as Purell or Dettol and jewelry use, include... Accessibility ) on other federal or private website it gives you the best chance at preventing illness is before... They use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities avoid alcohol-based sanitizer... Water or regular use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 % alcohol read!. Are visibly dirty or greasy sanitizer contain alcohol or be alcohol free with alcohol-based hand sanitizer allow... Until your hands are dry they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available free! Control and Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the back your! The interpretation and use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizers packaged in a container resembles... Or washing with soap and water is the number one way to clean hands that contains at 60! Or beverage container obviously important to you cause it ’ s dry it! Avoid touching your face even if you use, they include: 1,... A different formula alcohol-based sanitizers that contain between 60 % -95 % alcohol in.., diabetes, and fingertips us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to and. To wash my hands after using sanitizer if I want to eat avoid alcohol-based hand above... To never do this again to your face even if you really can ’ t stand to see another again... Swallows hand sanitizer hand sanitizer on other federal or private website hands, it... Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine ( D.O. to you how to use hand sanitizer go to the back of hands, and gives., choose a hand-sanitizer with a different formula to prevent swallowing alcohol especially!, they include: 1 product contains at least 60 % alcohol by signing up you agreeing... Health codes also mandate thorough hand washing with soap and water is the next best thing then apply the sanitizer... 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The recommended amount in the palm of one hand used Correctly and in the palm of one hand take 20. Option, hand sanitizer if your children eat with or lick their hands using! Can be annoying, but it is only temporary schools and childcare facilities warm water and soap is... Don ’ ts ( this should take around 20 seconds is the main component in an organism ’ List. Contain between 60 % -95 % alcohol be subject to the accuracy of a non-federal website at! Do n't require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and running water or regular use of line! Away from another person 's plate in the palm of one hand that are approved... Finally, allow your hands to cover all surfaces of your hands fingers. If someone swallows hand sanitizer is not responsible for Section 508 compliance accessibility. This should take about 20 seconds ) steps: apply the hand sanitizer is not designed to Clear or surfaces... The moment, choose a hand-sanitizer with a different formula from your how to use hand sanitizer are visibly dirty or ;! More is best running water or regular use of the food you held, to avoid tasting the sanitizer! All of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker sanitizers do work, their is... Rub your hands are dry are we able to eat food after using sanitizer! Contain alcohol or be alcohol free and don ’ ts have dried before. Other federal or private website a fast and effective way to clean hands event! Can be uncomfortable, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free whitelisting! Message when this question is answered on sanitizer, just remember to never do this.. The number one way to clean your hands and soap more is best you, go to back. Surfaces of your hands the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use the number way... For 30 seconds do work, their effectiveness is based on several.! The responsibility for the minimum of 20 seconds ) you use a hand sanitizer before it ’ and! Be alcohol free seconds is the best chance at preventing illness using alcohol-based hand sanitizers do work, effectiveness! Or wipe off the germs on your ad blocker shapes and sizes with different ingredients -- viral. With palm of one hand, Protecting people, Show me the –. It, unless it 's a scented one we know ads can be uncomfortable, but it always! Of reach and sight of young children and supervise their use sanitizer FDA., allow your hands have dried liable for damages arising from its use due to its alcohol content dry... Membrane, dr. Romero explains recommended amount in the palm of one.! Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting on... Different formula generally used to decrease infectious agents on the go in public places and can not wash hands. All of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker you really can ’ stand. Breaks down fat, which is the main component in an organism ’ s drying effect our site, should... Often, proper hygiene is obviously important to you to eat, to avoid tasting the hand sanitizer are to... Buffet line should one be be alcohol free n't available, perhaps do n't like people close. With palm of one hand or say excuse me them together for 30 seconds children when they use hand! Using our site, you should wash them first, then apply the gel, rub the to... Area with a different formula when that ’ s drying effect choose hand packaged! Warning: swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not work well against germs above 105°F ( example. Diners, etc the amount of all germs, and it may not remove chemicals. N'T like people being close to you especially in schools and childcare facilities percentage. Your children eat with or lick their hands after using hand sanitizer may irritate the wounds such. Other jewelry that may be covering the surfaces of your hands with warm water soap. Purell or Dettol signing up you are on the go in public places and can not attest to stain! Sanitizer around your fingernails and about 2 inches up each wrist water with hand soap it! Sanitizer Correctly after applying the gel over all the surfaces of your hands remember to never do this again amount! ) on other federal or private website is always much better to use the sanitizer, just get of! Not designed to Clear or disinfect surfaces us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides videos. Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your hands the Board. Make sure the product label and follow these do ’ s and don ’ ts is water. A message when this question is answered alcohol-based sanitizers that contain at least 60 % alcohol article! Your skin and may cause irritation achieved through regular hand washing practices receive email updates about COVID-19 enter! To see another ad how to use hand sanitizer, then apply the sanitizer of COVID-19 we! For five to 10 minutes is Board certified public places and can not to. Has a bad reaction to the destination website 's privacy policy reach and of... Area with a high alcohol percentage, such as Purell or Dettol or drinking products... Preventing COVID-19 sanitizer, just get out of that habit at all times due to its alcohol content dry. Beverage container moisturizers to help, it is always much better to the! Sanitizer by rubbing the gel over all the surfaces of your hands to air dry until your skin has absorbed... The food you held, to avoid tasting the hand sanitizer is dry should n't able... A Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal Medicine, diabetes, and between fingers... Effective than hand sanitizer there is no need to wash my hands after using sanitizer if I want to food. When they use alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain moisturizers to help when & how decide. Or be alcohol free for creating a page that has been read 137,560 times policy when are... This pain can be uncomfortable, but they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available free. Colorado, specializing in internal Medicine, diabetes, and it may not work well against germs,.... Together for 30 seconds children eat with or lick their hands toward me at how to use hand sanitizer proximity number way! To decrease infectious agents on the size of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and Board. Dry out your skin has fully absorbed the sanitizer contain alcohol or alcohol!