Confused about hand sanitizer? What % alcohol is required? What forms are most effective? How do you get full coverage? Here are some things to learn and what steps to take to make sure you meet CDC hand hygiene and sanitation guidelines.
There are two types of alcohol typically used to make hand sanitizer:
Ethanol is the same kind of alcohol produced in distilleries. It has become more readily available now due to many beer/hard liquor distilleries making this product.
The second most common type of alcohol used in hand sanitizer is isopropanol, which is the same alcohol used for rubbing and cleaning alcohol in first aid products.
Proper potency of each is critical to ensure you sanitizer will combat COVID-19. Read your labels carefully. Since ethanol alcohol is more potent, the CDC recommends sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol for proper sanitation whereas with the isopropanol, they recommend 70%+ for proper cleansing strength.
Hand sanitizers come in foam, liquid or gel. Each are just as effective at proper alcohol potencies, but studies have shown that the liquid and foam versions prove effective 15 seconds after application and gel after 30 seconds. Make sure you rub sanitizer into your palms, up/down/in-between fingers (don’t forget your thumb!), on top of your hands, and under your fingernails too. Let it fully dry and you are good to go!