With the outbreak of novel coronavirus, the question is now more relevant than ever, how long does the hand sanitizer lasts on your hands?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the best ways to prevent the virus is by using a hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
But how long do these work?
Hand sanitizer doesn’t work long term and thus washing hands with soap and water should be everyone’s first choice. “Hand sanitizer is better than nothing if you are going to shake someone’s hand or if you are out on the street with no sink or paper towels, but the best germicidal thing you can do is wash with soap and water,” said Dr. Len Horovitz, attending physician and internist at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Though yes, alcohol-based sanitizers are a convenient alternative to soap and water. Washing hands literally washes away the germs down the drain, while the hand sanitizers kills whatever is on your hand at that moment. But as soon as you touch another contaminated surface, your hands get dirty again. So, neither hand washing or using sanitizer keeps your hands clean for more than a couple of minutes.
When you are done cleaning your hands by any means, there is no residue left, but you can recontaminate your hands right away, by touching another dirty surface.
So, before you decide to eat something or touching your face. you need to clean your hands again. Doesn’t matter even if you have cleaned them just 10 minutes ago.
While using a hand sanitizer, make sure to cover all the surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry, recommends CDC. When your hands are visibly dirty, the hand sanitizer and sprays do not work.
To wash your hands properly, lather up your hands with soap and rub for at least 20 seconds, making sure you get between the fingers and the back of your hands. Do not forget to get under your nails by scraping your nails on the opposite palm.
