Hand Sanitizers Keep Germs at Bay When Soap & Water Isn’t Available

There’s no real substitute for washing your hands with soap and warm water (and make sure you lather for at least 30 seconds).  However, travelers know that it isn’t always possible to have soap and water right when you need it, and that’s when a hand sanitizer can come in handy.

Studies show that to be effective,hand sanitizers much contain a minimum of 60% alcohol, the concentration deemed to be necessary to kill most harmful bacteria and viruses.  You’ll need to look closely at the label for the list of ingredients, looking for this percentage of alcohol.  It may be listed as ethyl alcohol, ethanol, isopropanol or some other variation.  Just make sure that the concentration is between 60-95%.  Less than that just isn’t effective.

You can get sanitizer in a few different ways:

• Gel. Think basic Purell or other brand.  Nothing fancy, just the basics.  I have carried this with me in my bag long before the recent swine flu scare.  You just never know when you’ll need it.
• Scented Gel.  A twist on the basic, with the addition of scent (often times organic)  Does the job and adds a little fragrance, too.  I have some cucumber scented gel, and  love the clean fresh way that it smells.
• Wipes.  Individually packaged so you don’t need to worry about leakage in your pocket or purse.  Double check the alcohol content, as many wipes are simply wipes not sanitizers.
• Foam.  Works like gel, just in a different format.  It’s like hair mousse, only for your hands.  This might be a great formula for home, but I’ve never thought that it travels well.
• Spray.  I looked around and couldn’t find a lot of sprays that had a sufficient alcohol content.  Still, friends tell me they’re available.

The delivery method doesn’t matter – just be sure to CHECK THE ALCOHOL CONTENT.  You need over 60% to be effective.

Photo credit: Drugstore.com