Category: Hand Sanitizer

Categories
Hand Sanitizer

How Long Does Hand Sanitizer Last?

How Long Does Hand Sanitizer Last
How Long Does Hand Sanitizer Last

While many experts stand by hand-washing being the best option for reducing the transmission of germs, hand sanitizer is much more convenient and practical. And these days, when practical removal of pathogens is imperative, hand sanitizer has become quite the popular demand. As more and more people hop on board, more and more questions have come up. What exactly IS hand sanitizer? How long does it actually work for? Luckily, the team at Signitizer is here to answer all of those questions for you.

What Is Hand Sanitizer?

Also called hand antiseptic, hand sanitizers are formulas applied to the hand to expel disease-causing organisms. They are available in gel, liquid, or foam forms. These hand rubs are widely recommended for use in highly populated settings – from schools to daycare centers and health care clinics to grocery stores. While sanitizers are great at managing disease transmission, this effectiveness is based largely on alcohol percentage, contact time, and whether or not your skin was dirty before use. That being said, alcohol based sanitizers of at least 60% are found to be the MOST effective against bacteria and viruses.

How Long Does Hand Sanitizer Last After Application?

Make sure you are sitting down for this. Hand Sanitizers effectiveness is only good for two minutes after application. A recent survey found that over 50% of the American population mistakenly believed that hand sanitizers were still active after one hour! Despite the short life span, hand sanitizers are still optimal for using in a quick pinch. Those two minutes are imperative after, say, touching a door knob or shaking a hand.

Does Hand Sanitizer Expire?

Absolutely. Alcohol naturally begins to evaporate when exposed to air. And while many manufacturers work hard to create airtight containers, eventually the alcohol “escapes” over time. As this happens, the efficiency of the hand sanitizer is reduced. While reputable hand sanitizers will display an expiration date, if you can’t find one, expect the hand sanitizer to be no good after three years.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about hand sanitizer! To learn more about how the Signitizer can protect you from disease, contact us at 416-640-4477 or info@thesignitizer.com.

Categories
Hand Sanitizer

Do’s And Don’ts Of Using Hand Sanitizer

DOs and DONTs of Hand Sanitizer

With the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, you want to keep your hands as germ-free as possible. While washing your hands is still the best way to remove germs, hand sanitizer is an excellent alternative where soap and water aren’t readily available. However, you have to use the right product the right way for good results. Here are our 7 Do’s and Don’ts of Using Hand Sanitizer!

1. DO Use An Alcohol Based Sanitizer

Your hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. This is because non-alcohol-based sanitizers may keep germs from multiplying, but won’t kill them.

2. DON’T Use A Sanitizer That Has Been Recalled

You can check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recall page to see if your hand sanitizer is on the list. Some hand sanitizers have been found to use methanol. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can cause blindness or death if absorbed through the skin.

3. DON’T Make Your Own

In today’s DIY world, it can be tempting to make your own hand sanitizer. However, homemade hand sanitizers may not be effective and can sometimes be harmful if mixed improperly.

4. DO Check Your Hands For Dirt

If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, hand sanitizers may not work well. Stick to tried-and-true handwashing in this case!

5. DON’T Rely On Hand Sanitizer To Remove Harmful Chemicals

If you’ve come in contact with pesticides and heavy metals, wash your hands carefully with soap and water. Depending which chemicals you were exposed to, you may need to call a poison center.

6. DO Take Your Time

Use enough sanitizer to cover all parts of your hands and fingers. Rub your hands together until they feel dry, this should take around 20 seconds. There is no need to rush! Hand sanitizer may not be as effective if you rinse or wipe it off before your hands are dry.

7. DO Be Careful Around Kids

Keep hand sanitizers out of the reach of young children, who might mistake them for food or candy. In 2020 alone, U.S. poison centers received nearly 25,000 calls about hand sanitizer exposure in kids 12 and younger.

Curious about how the Signitizer can help your clients use hand sanitizer correctly? Contact us today at 416-640-4477 or info@thesignitizer.com.

Categories
Hand Sanitizer

How to Use Hand Sanitizer Correctly

How To Use Hand Sanitizer Correctly
1204811753

Guidelines for washing your hands with soap and water can be found all over. You know the drill: scrub for 20 seconds, get under the fingernails, and use a clean towel to pat dry. Washing your hands regularly is a must! Especially if you’ve spent time in public. This is the best way to get rid of all sorts of germs, including the coronavirus that causes CV-19. However, you may not always have access to soap and water. In these cases, hand sanitizer is the most convenient alternative. But for this method to be effective, it must be done correctly. Using hand sanitizer the right way involves the right type, amount, and application method of hand sanitizer. 

Choose the Right Hand Sanitizer

CV-19 has certainly made the more popular brand sanitizers difficult to find. We have also seen an increase in new sanitizer brands popping up! But before putting that bottle in your cart, make sure you read the product label. You should choose an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. The Food and Drug Administration has also advised against hand sanitizers that contain methanol, a substance that can be toxic when rubbed into skin. The FDA has provided a searchable database so you can make sure you are buying a legitimate product.

Use the Right Amount of Hand Sanitizer

Some dispensers do not provide enough hand sanitizer in one squeeze. Or personal sanitizer users may accidentally pour too little substance in their hands. As recommended by the World Health Organization, you should apply a “coin sized” amount of gel to your palm. Similar to soap, you need enough hand sanitizer to cover both sides of your hands and between your fingers.

Apply Hand Sanitizer Correctly

The gel should be thoroughly rubbed onto the back and front of your hands, including the thumbs and between the fingers. This should take around 20 seconds. When you’re done, your hands should be dry and you shouldn’t need to wipe or rinse off the gel.

Other Considerations

Make sure you store your hand sanitizer in a cool, dry location. Sanitizer should not be exposed to direct sunlight or heat. You should also pay attention to the expiration date, as the alcohol content drops the closer the expiration date approaches. Remember, you should never ingest hand sanitizer, and keep hand sanitizer out of the reach of children in addition to supervising their use.

Curious about how the Signitizer can help your clients use hand sanitizer correctly? Contact us today at 416-640-4477 or info@thesignitizer.com.

Categories
Hand Sanitizer

How To Select Hand Sanitizer

To help prevent the spread of germs, the CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water as much as possible. This reduces the amount of chemicals and germs on your hands, making it less likely that you will get sick. However, soap and running water may not always be accessible. If this is the case, using a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol will achieve the same result! In this article we will go over how to select a hand sanitizer that is effective. 

What To Do

Alcohol based hand sanitizers come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as different ingredients. How can you choose the perfect one? Before shopping, refer to the FDA’s Hand Sanitizer Do Not Use List to learn which alcohol-based sanitizers are not recommended. Once at the store, start by reading the product label! Your alcohol based sanitizer should have a minimum of 60% alcohol. This will normally be listed as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, or 2-propanol. After choosing your sanitizer, be sure to follow the label directions for use.

What To Avoid

What should you avoid? Do not choose a sanitizer that contains less than 60% alcohol or is listed as “alcohol-free,” as this sanitizer will not be effective at reducing the spread of germs. You should also avoid sanitizers that come in questionable packaging, such as cartons or anything that resembles a food and beverage container. Some of these products contain food flavoring to add scent. When using your sanitizer, remember to avoid contact with your eyes and keep the product out of reach of young children. You should also avoid cleaning surfaces with sanitizer as it is not designed to do that. And never store the sanitizer in your car!

How To Use

Using the sanitizer is simple! Simply rub the gel over your hands and fingers until the skin feels dry. If you wipe it off before it has been absorbed, it may not work against germs. 


After selecting your sanitizer, display it for ease of use in your commercial business! The Signitizer is perfect for any business looking to be at the forefront of Public Health & Safety! Contact us today at 416-640-4477 or info@thesignitizer.com.