No one wants to get sick. From an economic standpoint, staying home from work might put your job in jeopardy and/or decrease the amount you get paid while you take time to recover. As a result, people turn to all sorts of methods for protection from germs and viruses, including the use of alcohol-based sanitizers.
Health conscious people attempt anything from old wives tales like putting sliced onions in your socks at night, to over the counter preventatives and proven natural remedies like increasing your vitamin D and vitamin C intake.
One great thing you can do to ward off illness is the regular addition of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your daily routine. This has become increasingly popular as an effective way to kill germs and viruses. But how does it work?
Washing your hands with soap and water is best according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but isn’t always possible. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers in these cases can help stop the spread of viral illnesses.
How do alcohol-based sanitizers work to kill viruses
According to research from 2020, the article Sanitizing agents for virus inactivation and disinfection says, ethyl alcohol and isopropyl rubbing alcohol can both eliminate various pathogens. Rubbing alcohol’s primary component is isopropyl alcohol, whereas drinking alcohol typically contains ethyl alcohol.
The concentration of these alcohols and the sort of virus determine their effectiveness depends on how effective they are. Nonenveloped viruses are those without a lipid membrane, whereas enclosed viruses have a lipid membrane. Nonenveloped viruses typically exhibit greater resistance to disinfectants.
Hand sanitizer is an extremely effective alcohol-based product that kills viruses due to the nature of the alcohol-based cleaning products. These sanitizers contain denatured ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and act by destroying the outer membrane of the virus, a chemical process that will eventually break it down and kill it. Proper concentrations of alcohol are crucial for efficacy.
Types of viruses that can be killed by isopropyl alcohol products
It’s no secret that when people don’t practice good hand hygiene they are more likely to facilitate cross-contamination of household surfaces and spread infection. We can mitigate these health risks by disinfecting surfaces, but we also know that many viruses can be killed when hands are cleaned with alcohol based sanitizers like Common Sense hand sanitizer.
In fact, it is one of the most effective ways of killing germs and protecting yourself and those around you from many contagious illnesses. From common colds to rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and more. These types of hand sanitizer can kill germs and cleaners work to provide a level of protection.
According to this medically reviewed paper on Alcohol Sanitizer, “Ethanol, the most common alcohol ingredient, appears to be the most effective alcohol against viruses other bacteria, whereas propanol is considered a better bactericidal alcohol.
The combination of alcohol may also have a synergistic effect. The concentration of alcohol concentration in hand sanitizers also changes its efficacy, with one study demonstrating that a hand rub with 85% ethanol content was significantly better at reducing bacterial populations than preparations of 60% to 62% ethanol.”
Many studies suggest that alcohol sanitizers made with 60% or higher alcohol content provide a more effective barrier against certain types of viruses and common bacteria than washing hands with soap and water. As such, opting for an alcohol-based solution – especially one that contains at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl – should be your go-to method for cleaning your hands throughout the day.
How Hand Sanitizers Work
Hand sanitizers have become a staple in our daily hygiene routines, especially when soap and water aren’t readily available. But how exactly do these products work to kill germs and viruses?
The magic lies in their active ingredients: ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. These substances are highly effective at denaturing the proteins of microorganisms, leading to their death. Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are particularly potent against enveloped viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and influenza. They disrupt the lipid membrane of these viruses, rendering them inactive and unable to function.
Hydrogen peroxide, another common ingredient, is versatile in its germ-killing abilities. It can tackle a broader range of microorganisms, including both bacteria and viruses. When using hand sanitizers, it’s crucial to follow the instructions on the label. Apply the recommended amount and rub it all over your hands, ensuring you cover every nook and cranny, including between your fingers and under your nails. This thorough application maximizes the sanitizer’s effectiveness in killing germs.
Proper use and application techniques for optimal effectiveness
Proper hygiene practices, including the use of alcohol based sanitizers, must be adopted to help prevent the spread of this virus. While washing your hands with soap and water is ideal, another effective tool for combatting germs and infections is the use of hand sanitizers. For optimal effectiveness follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Proper application of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, like Common Sense, involves making sure to cover your entire hands with a generous amount of product and rubbing it until your hands are dry, which typically takes around 20 seconds.
Don’t forget to apply the product between your fingers, nails, and wrists when applying hand sanitizer as these areas tend to have higher concentrations of bacteria. Keeping these few tips in mind can maximize the effectiveness of using hand sanitizer as part of your daily hygiene routine.
Benefits of using Alcohol Based Common Sense Sanitizing products
Convenience
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is extremely convenient for those on the go because it does not require access to running water or soap. Instead, a person can simply apply a few drops of the gel onto their hands and rub until dry.
This makes it ideal for people who are constantly on the move — such as busy parents or travelers — since they don’t have to worry about finding a sink every time they need to wash their hands. In addition, applying the gel takes much less time than washing with soap and water, making it quicker and easier overall.
Portability
Unlike traditional soap and water, sanitizer comes in small bottles that are easy to carry around wherever you go. You will always have the ability to clean your hands without having to worry if you’ll be able to find a working sink with access to soap.
Effectiveness
Alcohol based sanitizers kill germs, plain and simple. This means that the hand sanitizer consumers buy that are made of more than 60% alcohol solutions are able to quickly kill off bacteria and viruses on contact in order to help prevent the spread of infection from one person to another.
All healthcare professionals should routinely use alcohol hand sanitizers consumers and inform the public about their advantages. Alcohol can quickly eradicate the majority of non-spore-forming microbes and lower infection rates. According to data, alcohol hand sanitizers improve hand cleanliness and lessen the spread of microorganisms in medical facilities.
Common Sense long lasting hand sanitizer goes above and beyond these typical alcohol based disinfectants because our formula bonds with skin to ensure long lasting protection. Our product is also preferable because in addition to alcohol’s germicidal effects, it contains other ingredients which help keep skin soft and hydrated after use.
This makes Common Sense long lasting hand sanitizer especially helpful in preventing skin irritation caused by frequent washing with harsh soaps or detergents.
Safety
In general, alcohols are thought to be safer than detergents. There are a fewer serious risks with the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS), with their only absolute contraindication being extreme allergic reactions (like anaphylaxis to aliphatic alcohols).
Common Sense long lasting hand sanitizer preparation works to keep skin feeling soft and moisturized, but other leading brands are still linked to a number of skin responses. Dryness, itching, irritation, pruritis, and skin cracking are all symptoms of contact irritant dermatitis, which can range in severity from moderate to alarming.
The symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis can also range from mild to serious, and they occasionally include respiratory distress.
According to some research, using ABHS frequently by professionals may result in unintentional alcoholization (via inhalation and dermal contact). Other studies have shown that healthcare employees who sanitized their hands 30 times a day had no blood alcohol levels that could be measured. These levels are regarded as being well within the safe range, but more investigation is necessary to assess the long-term health risks and impacts on the fetuses of pregnant healthcare employees.
The Effect Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers Have On Viruses
Common Sense long-lasting hand sanitizer is an effective and convenient tool to help kill germs, disinfect surfaces, and prevent the spread of infections, especially when using alcohol based sanitizers. Not only do they kill germs on contact with surfaces long but they also come in small bottles that can be easily carried around wherever you go.
Both ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol can destroy viruses with lipid-rich cell walls. Along with HIV, hepatitis B, and herpes viruses, and cold viruses fall under this umbrella. Alcohol based sanitizers disable a virus’ ability to operate through cell membrane by altering the viral membrane’s structure.
Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers is the next best thing to washing hands with detergent and water. When this choice is not accessible, people can use waterless hand sanitizer gels, foams or sprays that contain 60–90% alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean dirty surfaces around the house, but handling it should be done with care, since rubbing alcohol alone may damage some surfaces. A safer way to clean surfaces is with Common Sense long lasting surface protectant. This product uses the same germ killing technology as our Common Sense hand sanitizer, but with a more concentrated formula made to sanitize frequently touched surfaces. This product is also perfect for cleaning surfaces that come in contact with food around your home or business.
It is important to ensure that your hand sanitizing solution contains at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl for maximum effectiveness against certain viruses and bacteria. By following proper application techniques when using Common Sense products, you will have a better chance of staying healthy!
Alternatives to Hand Sanitizers
While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are incredibly convenient and effective, they aren’t the only option for maintaining hand hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water remains the gold standard for removing dirt, grime, and a wide array of microorganisms from your skin. Soap and water can effectively eliminate germs that hand sanitizers might miss, such as norovirus and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
In addition to hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces with chemical disinfectants like bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds can further reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. These chemical disinfectants are powerful tools for disinfecting surfaces and equipment, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment.
First Aid and Medical Considerations
Accidents happen, and it’s essential to know what to do if you accidentally ingest hand sanitizer or experience adverse reactions. Ingesting hand sanitizer can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. If this occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Skin irritation or allergic reactions can also occur with hand sanitizer use. If you notice any redness, itching, or other signs of irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
For those dealing with herpes simplex virus (HSV) symptoms, such as cold sores or genital herpes, it’s crucial to seek proper medical advice. Antiviral medications like acyclovir can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission, ensuring you stay healthy and minimize the spread of the virus.
Handling and Storage of Hand Sanitizers
Proper handling and storage of hand sanitizers are vital to maintaining their effectiveness and ensuring safety. Store hand sanitizers in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can degrade the active ingredients.
When handling hand sanitizers, it’s a good practice to wear gloves and avoid touching your face or eyes. If you accidentally spill hand sanitizer, clean it up immediately with soap and water to prevent any potential hazards.
Regulatory and Other Information
The use of hand sanitizers is regulated by various government agencies to ensure their safety and effectiveness. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provide guidelines for hand sanitizer use. The CDC recommends using hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol for optimal germ-killing power.
In Canada, the import, transport, and use of pathogens, including herpes simplex virus, are regulated by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada. These regulations help ensure that hand sanitizers are safe for public use and effective in killing germs.
Always follow the instructions on the label and use hand sanitizers responsibly to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and ensure their effectiveness in killing germs. By doing so, you can help protect yourself and those around you from harmful bacteria and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get potentially fatal alcohol poisoning from drinking alcohol sanitizer?
A: While it’s generally considered a critical tool to keep our hands germ-free, some people have raised concerns about the possibility of getting alcohol poisoning from hand sanitizer. And they’re right to be worried.
While alcohol sanitizer is safe to use as directed on the label, ingesting large amounts of it can lead to potentially fatal consequences. Use alcohol sanitizer as directed and avoid drinking it altogether to stay safe and healthy.
Q: How do alcohol molecules break down germs?
A: Alcohol is a powerful disinfectant and alcohol-based products have been used for centuries to clean wounds and kill germs inside surfaces. But have you ever wondered how it works? The secret lies in the alcohol molecules themselves.
When alcohol is applied to a surface or a wound, the molecules dissolve the cell wall of the germs and denature the proteins that make up their structure. This causes the germs to break down and die, leaving the surface or wound clean and free from harmful bacteria.
This is why alcohol is so effective at preventing infection and promoting healing. So the next time you reach for that bottle of hand sanitizer, you can thank the alcohol molecules for their germ-fighting powers.
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