Using Hand Sanitizer
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. However, if soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as an alternative.
Four important things to know about using hand sanitizer correctly:
- Use hand sanitizer that contains 60% or more alcohol (ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol).
- It takes at least 30 seconds for hand sanitizer to kill the virus. Make sure that you are rubbing hands together for at least 30 seconds so that the gel gets all over your hands, in between fingers, on fingertips, under nails, etc.
- Let hands dry on their own. Do not wipe away hand sanitizer.
- Hand sanitizers may not always be effective. They do not get rid of all types of germs or chemicals and they should be avoided when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
These products are widely available, but that doesn’t mean that they come without risks. You should never drink hand sanitizer. Drinking only a small amount of hand sanitizer is potentially lethal to a young child.
Hand sanitizers are regulated as over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When using these products, you should always read and follow the Drug Facts label and pay attention to the warnings section. Protect yourself and your family by reading the labels and checking the FDA’s Do-Not-Use List. If you have a product on this list, you should dispose of it immediately. Learn more on the FDA website.
Step 1: Start with warm water.
Step 2: Use soap to make a lather.
Step 3: Scrub for 20 seconds.
Step 4: Rinse well.
Step 5: Dry hands completely.
Step 6: Use towel to shut off faucet.
