8 Unusual Facts You Didn’t Know About Hand Sanitizer

Personal hygiene comes first! People have always washed and bathed, even the oldest of our ancestors. However, the disinfectant potential of various substances was not discovered until the 19th century, when Joseph Lister began studying the antiseptic properties of various materials, including carbolic acid, which was used to disinfect sewer pipes in London.

Hand sanitizers in their usual form for us did not appear until 1966, thanks to Lupe Hernandez, a california student nurse who invented and patented the alcohol-based gel. However, this product did not become available in regular stores until 1988.

What other curious things about hand sanitizers are we going to learn today?

1. What even is a sanitizer?

The disinfectant is an antiseptic in the form of gel, alcohol-based or not. The composition of the sanitizer also includes additional antibacterial agents that not only protect but also moisturize the skin of the hands. Thus, it kills most bacteria, without causing significant damage to the skin.

2. How does it work?

The alcohol in the disinfectant is super effective and quite easily destroys various bacteria and viruses, but it is never 99.9%, as advertised. In real life, getting rid of all germs will not work. Apart from that, the disinfectant works best when there is no visible dirt on the hands. For example, if you washed your hands and then treated them with an antibacterial gel.

3. What’s the correct way to use sanitizer?

In general, you should use hand sanitizers if you do not have access to soap and water. But before that, wipe your hands with wet wipes to remove as much dirt as possible. It is not recommended to use the disinfectant every day, as your skin will eventually become irritated and dry. And dry skin will almost always cause cracks and micro-injuries, making it easier for germs to enter your bloodstream. In addition, bacteria and viruses often develop resistance to antiseptics. These are only the fundamental laws of evolution.

4. Which sanitizers are the best?

Studies have shown that disinfectants containing 60-95% alcohol are best at killing germs. Non-alcoholic gels are rather ineffective at killing bacteria and flounder viruses, but they are excellent for drying out the skin and making it irritating. Don’t use them unless you have absolutely no other choice.

5. The correct dosage is important

Didn’t your mother tell you not to waste? Simply squeeze a pea-sized drop of gel on your hand and rub it vigorously until your hands are dry. It should take you about 30 seconds if you do it right. Don’t leave your hands wet. No one likes that.

6. Hand sanitizer is a team player

As we have already mentioned, hand sanitizer is very bad at removing dirt, so you must first wash your hands with soap and let them dry. Only then should you use the gel. This combination will certainly kill nearly 99% of germs.

7. Do NOT consume hand sanitizer!

It must be said that hand sanitizers are not food and should not be used to gargle the throat. All alcohol-based disinfectants contain ethyl alcohol, which is actually a poison. This is why the disinfectant should be stored in a place where your children will not be able to reach it.

8. A few unusual ways to use hand sanitizer

It can be used to clean your phone screen and glasses, making them brighter (and safer to use).

Has anyone used permanent markers on your whiteboard or on one of your favorite shirts? The alcohol in the hand sanitizer will allow you to quickly solve this small problem.

When rubbed on mosquito bites, it soothes itching.