Theo Nash
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative to handwashing with soap and water, which is the most effective way to reduce germs on hands. The CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol, and studies have shown that sanitizers with 60-95% alcohol are more effective at killing germs than those with lower concentrations. The amount of sanitizer needed for effective hand hygiene ranges from 1.1 mL to 3.0 mL, with the FDA recommending 2.4 mL, and application times vary from 15 to 30 seconds. Ethanol, the most common alcohol ingredient, is effective against viruses, while propanol is a better bactericidal alcohol. Hand sanitizers also often contain humectants and emollients to prevent skin dryness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of alcohol needed | Between 60% and 95% alcohol concentration |
| Recommended amount to use | Between 1.1 mL and 3.0 mL per use; the FDA recommends 2.4 mL |
| Application time | Between 15 and 30 seconds |
| Common alcohol ingredient | Ethanol |
| Effective against | Most non-spore-forming bacteria, viruses, fungi, and various pathogens |
| Less effective against | Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile |
| Additional ingredients | Humectants like glycerin, emollients or moisturizers like aloe vera |
| Concerns | Unintended pediatric ingestion, potential for abuse |
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What You'll Learn
Minimum alcohol concentration for hand sanitiser
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. However, if soap and water are not available, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content. Hand sanitisers with an alcohol concentration between 60% and 95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
The alcohol concentration in hand sanitisers also changes their efficacy. For example, a hand rub with 85% ethanol content was found to be significantly better at reducing bacterial populations than preparations of 60% to 62% ethanol. Ethanol, the most common alcohol ingredient, is the most effective alcohol against viruses, whereas propanol is considered a better bactericidal alcohol. The combination of alcohols may also have a synergistic effect.
The recommended volume of hand sanitiser to be used is between 1.1 mL to 3.0 mL, with the FDA recommending 2.4 mL as sufficient. The application time varies from 15 to 30 seconds. Care must be taken when using alcohol-based hand sanitisers in clinical settings, as some pumps do not give out the recommended volume of sanitiser with one use.
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Recommended application volume
The recommended volume of hand sanitizer to apply is 2.4 mL, according to the FDA. This is enough to cover all surfaces of both hands and provide effective disinfection. However, there have been varying recommendations from researchers, ranging from 1.1 mL to 3.0 mL.
The amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer is crucial to its effectiveness. Sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60-95% are significantly more effective at killing germs than those with lower concentrations. Ethanol, the most common alcohol ingredient, is highly effective against viruses, while propanol is considered a better bactericidal alcohol.
The CDC recommends using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available. While hand sanitizer is a good alternative, the CDC emphasizes that handwashing with soap and water is the best way to reduce germs and chemicals on hands.
It is important to note that the efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizers depends on the technique of application and usage. The sanitizer should be applied to the palm and thoroughly rubbed all over both hands until they are dry. The application time for hand sanitizer varies from 15 to 30 seconds.
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Application technique
The application technique for hand sanitizers involves more than simply rubbing your hands together. Firstly, it is important to use the correct volume of hand sanitizer. Several studies have compared the amount needed to be effective, with recommendations ranging from 1.1 mL to 3.0 mL. The FDA recommends 2.4 mL as a sufficient quantity.
The next step is to apply the product to the palm of one hand and rub it all over the surfaces of both hands until they are dry. It is important to cover all surfaces, including between the fingers and around the thumbs and wrists. The recommended application time varies from 15 to 30 seconds, with most data suggesting an application time in the middle of this range.
It is important to note that hand sanitizers are not as effective as handwashing with soap and water, which is always the preferred method if possible. Hand sanitizers should only be used when soap and water are not available. Additionally, hand sanitizers may not be as effective at removing certain types of germs, such as Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile.
The type of alcohol in hand sanitizer also matters. Ethanol, the most common alcohol ingredient, is the most effective against viruses, while propanol is a better bactericidal alcohol. The combination of these alcohols can also have a synergistic effect. The alcohol concentration in hand sanitizers is crucial, with higher concentrations being more effective. Hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60-95% are recommended, as lower concentrations may not kill all types of germs.
Finally, care must be taken when using hand sanitizers, especially around young children. Hand sanitizers should be stored out of the reach of children and used with adult supervision. Ethanol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if a person swallows more than a couple of mouthfuls.
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Sanitiser vs. hand washing
Hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser are both important steps to take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. However, hand washing is generally considered to be more effective than hand sanitiser at reducing the transmission of microorganisms.
Firstly, hand washing removes most infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses, by mechanically removing germs from the hands. Hand washing with just water reduces bacteria by 77%, while washing with soap and water reduces bacteria by 92%. Washing your hands with soap and water for 15 seconds reduces bacteria by 90%, and extending the time to 30 seconds removes about 99.9% of bacteria.
Hand sanitisers, on the other hand, kill germs rather than removing them. Hand sanitiser containing between 60% and 90% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol kills 99.9% of non-spore-forming bacteria in under 30 seconds. However, bacterial spores are unaffected by hand sanitiser, and the type of bacteria that produce these spores can cause food poisoning, diarrhoea, and other problems. Hand sanitiser also does not work against all viruses, and it does not eliminate all types of germs. For example, Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile are removed more effectively by hand washing with soap and water.
Hand sanitiser is a useful alternative when soap and water are not available, or when hand washing is not practical, such as when you are on the go or in a hurry. It is also a useful tool in healthcare settings, where it can improve hand hygiene and reduce the transmission of microorganisms. However, it is important to note that hand sanitiser should not be used as a complete replacement for hand washing. In addition, care must be taken when using hand sanitiser, as it can cause alcohol poisoning if swallowed and can dry out the skin.
Overall, while hand sanitiser is a convenient and effective way to reduce germs in certain situations, hand washing with soap and water is generally the more effective method for removing germs and keeping hands clean.
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Sanitiser safety concerns
One of the main concerns is the lack of standardisation in the production of hand sanitisers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when the FDA issued temporary guidance to meet the increased demand. This resulted in some hand sanitisers not meeting safety standards, with the FDA finding unsafe levels of the carcinogen acetaldehyde in ethanol supplied for use in hand sanitisers. The FDA has since updated its guidance and notified companies that their products do not meet the required safety standards.
Another concern is the potential risk of alcohol poisoning associated with the use of ethanol-based hand sanitisers. Ingesting even a couple of mouthfuls of these sanitisers can cause alcohol poisoning, and children are particularly at risk due to the attractive packaging and scents of some products. From 2011 to 2015, U.S. poison control centres received nearly 85,000 calls about hand sanitiser exposures among children, highlighting the importance of storing hand sanitisers out of the reach of young children and supervising their use.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the effectiveness of hand sanitiser in removing certain types of germs and chemicals. While alcohol-based hand sanitisers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands, they may not eliminate all types of germs, such as Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. Additionally, hand sanitisers may not effectively remove or inactivate harmful chemicals like pesticides, as evidenced by increased levels of pesticides found in individuals who used hand sanitiser.
The proper technique for applying hand sanitiser is also important for ensuring its effectiveness. The CDC recommends applying hand sanitiser to the palm and thoroughly rubbing it over the surfaces of both hands until they are dry. The recommended amount of hand sanitiser varies, with suggestions ranging from 1.1 mL to 3.0 mL, while the FDA recommends 2.4 mL as sufficient. The application time also varies, typically ranging from 15 to 30 seconds.
Overall, while hand sanitisers can be an effective alternative to handwashing when soap and water are not available, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and use them correctly to minimise potential risks and maximise their effectiveness in reducing the spread of germs.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60-95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
The recommended amount of hand sanitizer varies from 1.1 mL to 3.0 mL. The FDA recommends 2.4 mL as sufficient.
Ethanol is the most common alcohol ingredient and is effective against viruses. Propanol is considered a better bactericidal alcohol. A combination of the two alcohols may have a synergistic effect.
The recommended application time varies from 15 to 30 seconds, with most data suggesting somewhere in the middle.
Hand washing with soap and water is more effective at removing certain kinds of germs, like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. However, hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not available and can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands.
