Disinfecting with alcohol rinses and gels

You know how important it is to wash your hands to stay healthy, but what do you do when soap and water are not handy? Try using an alcohol rinse or gel that you can carry with you. Here's an overview on these convenient cleansers.

How they work

Alcohol rinses or gels are sanitizers that contain at least 60 per cent alcohol that will kill bacteria and viruses on your hands. Even if your hands look clean, it's good to sanitize them often because you can't always see the germs that make you sick.

How to use them

Apply a dime-size squeeze on to your hands. This will be enough to cover your hands and get under your nails. Rub hands together until the alcohol is absorbed and hands feel dry. Avoid touching your face or eyes until hands are dry. Help children the first few times to teach them how to properly use the rinse or gel. If you have any dirt on your hands, try to get rid of it before you apply the alcohol rinse - alcohol works better when put directly onto the skin.

Alcohol gels and the skin

There is usually a skin-softening agent in the alcohol gels and rinses that will help to keep skin from becoming dry. However, you may want to use lotion on your hands from time to time as an added protection from dry skin. If your hands become red and irritated, stop using the alcohol.

Don't give up soap and water

You can use a rinse or gel whenever you normally would wash your hands or after touching anything that you think is not clean such as money, telephones and keyboards. However the alcohol wash should not replace soap and water. Be sure to wash with soap and warm water whenever you can, especially when your hands are visibly dirty. Hands should be washed for at least 10 seconds with the soapy suds.