Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Sanitisers
Hand hygiene the bottle
Running water and soap are not always reachable. Therefore, high alcohol hand sanitiser can be an effective alternative to disinfecting the hands. It is important to know the best way to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. In addition, it is good to know how they work. Best information about alcohol and non-alcohol sanitisers are available at The UK Government’s website.
Everybody should wash their hands under running water regularly. Washing hands is the best defence against not only viruses but all gems. However, what should we do when we do not have access to water. For example, there is no running water in public transport or in the car. We should think of an alternative defence system against the bacteria, viruses and all other germs that can make us sick.
The United Kingdom and international hand hygiene guidelines recommend;
- Hand washing with soap and water
- Alcohol-based hand sanitisers (with 60%–95% ethanol or isopropanol)
High alcohol hand sanitisers are recommended as the best methods for removing viruses and bacteria. It is not necessary for the hand sanitiser or the soap to be labelled as ‘antibacterial’ to affect. Soap physically removes organisms from the skin, while alcohol works by damaging proteins in microbes. In other words, 75% alcohol damage virus and bacteria proteins leaving them unable to survive. Both of these products target a range of disease-causing germs, for example, viruses and bacteria.
Are Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Sanitisers similar?
Hand sanitisers have different forms, such as gels, creams and foams. Majority of the products contain some form of alcohol, but there are a few with non-alcohol formula.
If you are searching to buy a hand sanitiser there is undeniable evidence proving that;
- Products containing alcohol work better in killing germs.
- Products containing high alcohol (with 65%–95% ethanol or isopropanol) are more effecting against a wide range of viruses and bacteria.
- High alcohol hand sanitiser are more effective on viruses and bacteria that spread infections like flu, diarrhoea and colds
Similar studies have also reported that alcohol-based hand cleaners are less irritating the skin than soap and water. Besides, high alcohol hand sanitisers may keep the skin moisturised. Brands that contain moisturisers (such as Aloe-vera) in their formula can reduce the level of irritation even further. A hand sanitiser with moisturiser is the best choice for the people who clean their hands more frequently.
Please do not forget alcohol can be toxic to children. It is crucial to keep the containers out of reach of kids. Even as part of a hand rub, alcohol is highly flammable. People should be very careful using high alcohol hand sanitisers around open flames.
Alcohol-free hand sanitisers are also available. Current studies about non-alcohol sanitisers say they may not work as well as soap and evidently alcohol-based cleaners. Some non-alcohol hand sanitiser formulas are also reported as being more irritating to the skin than soap and alcohol sanitisers.
Correct use of hand sanitisers
- Make sure to apply enough hand sanitiser to cover both hands thoroughly
- Rub both hands thoroughly, front and back and in between all the fingers.
- Cleaning should take 20–30 seconds.
- Click here to see the Covid-19 Signs or Self Distancing Floor Stickers.
Hand sanitisers in hospitals and other clinical places
Running water and soap provides a simple, easy and cost-effective option for keeping hands clean and removing potential virus and bacteria. So you can have clean hands at home, work or school. Soap and water also remain essential at medical sites such as NHS hospitals and dental practices. However, all visitors, staff and patients visitors are also encouraged to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers regularly. Patients, visitors and hospital personnel rub their hands with high alcohol hand sanitiser. They encouraged to do so even if their hands look clean.
Disclaimer; We put to gather the best information about alcohol and non-alcohol sanitisers, best of our knowledge and research. Please do your own research.
