How to Use Hand Sanitizer Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide
With the ongoing pandemic and the increasing awareness of good hygiene practices, using hand sanitizer has become an essential part of our daily routine. However, many of us may not be using it correctly, which can reduce its effectiveness in keeping our hands clean and germ-free. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use hand sanitizer correctly to keep your hands clean and healthy.
Why Use Hand Sanitizer?
Hand sanitizer is a quick and easy way to kill germs and bacteria on our hands, especially when soap and water are not available. It is particularly useful for:
- Frequently handling food or food preparation
- After using the bathroom
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
How to Choose the Right Hand Sanitizer
Not all hand sanitizers are created equal. When choosing a hand sanitizer, look for one that contains ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) as the active ingredient. These ingredients are effective against a wide range of germs and bacteria. Additionally, choose a hand sanitizer that is labeled as “broad-spectrum” or “kills 99.9% of germs”.
The Correct Way to Use Hand Sanitizer
- Wash Your Hands First: Before applying hand sanitizer, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris that may be on your hands.
- Apply the Hand Sanitizer: Apply a sufficient amount of hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand. The amount should be enough to cover all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Rub It In: Rub your hands together to spread the hand sanitizer evenly. Make sure to cover all surfaces of your hands.
- Rub for 15-30 Seconds: Rub your hands together for 15-30 seconds to allow the hand sanitizer to work its magic. You can count to 15 or 30 to ensure you rub your hands for the correct amount of time.
- Check Your Hands: After rubbing your hands together, check to make sure the hand sanitizer has reached all areas of your hands. If necessary, reapply and re-rub your hands.
- Allow to Dry: Allow your hands to dry completely before touching anything or putting on gloves.
Additional Tips
- Use hand sanitizer correctly, even if you have washed your hands with soap and water. This is especially important in situations where you may not have immediate access to soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth after applying hand sanitizer. This can spread germs and bacteria to your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Use hand sanitizer in addition to washing your hands with soap and water, not as a replacement.
- Consider using a hand sanitizer that is fragrance-free or hypoallergenic if you have sensitive skin.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can ensure that you are using hand sanitizer correctly to keep your hands clean and germ-free. Remember to always choose a hand sanitizer that contains ethanol or isopropanol as the active ingredient and to follow the recommended usage instructions.
