As concerns about COVID-19 grow, the demand for hand sanitisers has skyrocketed across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), although it is more than a mere fix, diligent use of hand sanitizer along with practicing social distancing is the best possible way to keep the virus away. Not to forget, maintaining personal hygiene is important to avoid the risk of getting infected and spreading it to others.

While we all might know the basics before buying a hand sanitizer, it gets difficult to keep a tab on facts and separate them from fiction in the day of forwards on WhatsApp University and much to parse through online.

So let's delve into some of the lingering questions about hand sanitiser that might be on your mind.

Why 60% and not 100% alcohol concentration?

We know alcohol is effective in killing microbes, including bacteria and viruses, but hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol content are considered more useful.

However, using undiluted alcohol is not advisable as that would dry out the skin or cause irritation. This is why most hand sanitisers use Isopropyl Alcohol so that we are able to sanitise our hands as frequently as needed without any dryness or irritation.

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Are homemade hand sanitisers a bad idea?

There are many DIY hand sanitiser ideas online, including some that use vodka or other hard liquor. But, the ethanol concentration in such alcohol is typically 30 to 45 percent which is not high enough to kill microbes. Also, pure alcohol evaporates too quickly to efficiently kill bacteria or viruses on our hands, especially when the air is less humid.

While rubbing alcohol on cuts and scrapes could be useful, a homemade hand sanitiser is not a wise idea.

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Is a quick thrust of hand sanitiser enough?

Hand sanitizers are only effective if used in a proper way. Just like with soap and water, hand sanitisers won't work unless it's used in the right amount and with proper technique. While using hand sanitizer, make sure it's covering the hands entirely, including between your fingers. Don't rub in the sanitizer too quickly. Stop only when it is completely absorbed.

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Do expiry dates really matter?

YES! Just like everything else, every hand sanitiser has an expiry date too. As alcohol is volatile, with time it will slowly evaporate, making the sanitiser lose its ability to kill bacteria and viruses. Although the scarcity of hand sanitisers might make us overlook this factor, it is necessary to make sure that we're not using an expired one.

Get this hygiene kit with a foam hand sanitiser. Grab the kit before it's sold out…

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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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