Here at GOJO, we know hand sanitizer – and when it's best to use it. After all, we invented PURELL® hand sanitizer in 1988. Our team of scientists has been doing industry and public health-leading research on hand hygiene for decades. Our employees set hand sanitizer around the house, in their cars, handbags, and pockets… we give bottles to friends and family for the holidays. We know the key moments that we turn to our product. But maybe you aren't sure.
We've all heard so much about the importance of hand hygiene over the past three years – it has been a primary tool in keeping the public healthy during the pandemic. You've always been told to wash your hands when visibly soiled (like after handling raw meat or after working in the yard) – and you can see and feel that need, so we are all (hopefully) very comfortable washing our hands. It's our go-to way to clean our hands. When in doubt, wash your hands – and that is really important. But sometimes, when your hands aren't covered in food or grime, turning to a quality alcohol-based hand sanitizer is even better.
Take care of your hands
Washing your hands too often washes away lipids (natural fats that help protect your skin) faster than the natural recovery process of your body, causing dry or damaged skin. Hand sanitizers – at least well-formulated, high-quality ones like PURELL® hand sanitizer – are designed to leave effective skin conditioners behind while killing germs instantly. (Meaning they leave behind ingredients that help moisturize your skin.) That's part of the reason why alcohol-based hand sanitizer is required and preferred in healthcare settings – where an active caregiver cleans their hands more than 100 times per day! 1
Picking the right hand sanitizer plays an important part in keeping your hands healthy – just like other key parts of your hand care efforts – like handwashing, wearing gloves when you wash your dishes or go outside in cold weather, plus using hand lotions occasionally during the day and especially before bed. Then your hands won't be so dry. (Read my colleague's blog post for more: " Dry Hands? Don't Blame Your Hand Sanitizer.")
So, when should I use hand sanitizer?
The CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not readily available, but when are those moments? Here are some examples of key moments when you could turn to hand sanitizer (remember, please wash your hands if you can see food/soil/grime on them and after going to the bathroom). This list may seem long, but everyone should be washing or sanitizing their hands 10-20 times in a typical day, and below are some of the key times that should happen. Using hand sanitizer is a convenient option to ensure you're practicing good hand hygiene and killing germs on your hands that may cause illness.
Using hand sanitizer at home
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Before applying makeup or adjusting your contacts
- After touching things in your everyday life that are likely to have germs that can make you sick:
- taking out the garbage
- handling dirty laundry
- touching pets
- changing a diaper (without visibly soiling your hands)
- caring for someone who is ill
- Before eating
- While you're preparing a meal (instead of constantly washing your hands, save it for when your hands are visibly dirty – like after handling raw meats or fresh fruits and vegetables that need rinsing)
- As soon as you get home after being in public spaces
Using hand sanitizer in public
- When entering and exiting a public place
- When you get into your car after being in public spaces
- Before eating or touching your face
- After touching surfaces commonly touched by others
- handrails and door handles
- elevator buttons
- shopping carts
- self-service kiosks and payment screens
- gas handles
- sports or gym equipment
- shared kitchens (fridge doors, coffee pots, etc.)
- shared workspace/classroom surfaces (keyboards, mice, copy machines, phones, etc.)
- condiment counters and trash stations
- hand bars/poles in public transit (subways, buses, trains)
- seat belt buckles in public transit and airplanes
- airplane tray table/latch, airport security trays
- children play areas
- restaurant menus
Have hand sanitizer available in your car and carry it on you, so you have it when you need it – plus, you can use your preferred brand and formula and know that while you're killing germs, you're also caring for your hands. Perhaps most importantly – reduce the risk of bad germs entering your personal spaces by using hand sanitizer when you get into your car and then again when you arrive home.
How to use hand sanitizer
When applying hand sanitizer, remember to use enough to thoroughly wet your hands (about the size of a quarter), rub your hands briskly until dry – and don't forget your fingertips, thumbs, and between your fingers. This should take around 15-20 seconds with a well-formulated product.
Not all hand sanitizers are the same
Formulation is essential when it comes to alcohol-based hand sanitizer – it must be safe, effective (kills germs), non-irritating, and softening, plus feel and smell good, so you actually want to use it. For more on why hand sanitizers aren't all the same, read this blog from our Chief Innovation Officer, "Formulation Counts: Not All Hand Sanitizer is the Same."
For more tips to keep your hands healthy, read my blog, "When to Use Soap vs. Hand Sanitizer."
The use of hand sanitizer does not create "super germs" or cause antibiotic resistance. For more common hand sanitizer myths, read my blog "Debunking 7 Common Myths About Hand Sanitizer."
New PURELL Hand Sanitizer for On the Go
PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer Energizing Mint or Calming Lavender, Infused with Essential Oils
This new 2oz pump bottle of PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer is infused with essential oils (Energizing Mint or Calming Lavender) to give yourself a refreshing boost while helping to eliminate germs from hands. PURELL® hand sanitizer is the #1 brand most used and trusted by hospitals* and is proven to kill 99.99 percent of most common germs that may cause illness without damaging skin. Since PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer outperforms other sanitizers ounce-for-ounce,2 you get more germ-fighting power with every bottle. Formulated to be gentle on skin with moisturizers and skin conditioners, and is clinically proven to maintain skin health.3
- Available in Energizing Mint or Calming Lavender
- Kills 99.99 percent of most common germs that can cause illness without damaging skin
- Mild formulation is perfect for frequent use and is free of parabens, phthalates, and preservatives, so it doesn't dry out or irritate hands
- Hands feel soft, even after many uses
- Place this 2 fl oz bottle in your purse, gym bag, diaper bag, or briefcase for a quick and easy way to sanitize hands when soap and water aren't available
- Energizing Mint is available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
- Calming Lavender is available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
Businesses interested in learning about PURELL® products can contact their GOJO distributor, click here to schedule a meeting with our representatives, or find a distributor now