Today, cleanliness is synonymous with health and well-being, hand sanitizers have become an important part of our lives. As we navigate through our daily routines, from handling pet food to preparing meals or even just eating food, these products serve as our first line of defense against the invisible army of one-celled organisms that threaten our health.
But why, despite religiously using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, people still end up catching the common cold or other illnesses? The truth is, no hand sanitizer, not even the best ones on the market, can kill 100% of germs.
This might seem counterintuitive, especially given the assurances on product labels. Not all bacteria or microorganisms are harmful; in fact, some are essential for the immune system to function properly.
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
While hand sanitizers are effective in disease control by limiting the spread of certain bacteria and viruses, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Certain genetic material in some germs makes them resistant to the effects of hand sanitizers.
Hand sanitizers may not be fully effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, such as after handling animal waste or pet treats. This is because the physical barrier of grease or debris prevents the sanitizer from reaching the germs underneath.
While products with essential oils and other natural ingredients may smell lovely, they may not be as effective in killing germs as their alcohol-based counterparts.
Here’s why even the best hand sanitizers can’t wipe out 100% of germs, the role of proper hand hygiene, and how innovative solutions, like those offered by Microbe Solutions, LLC can help.
The Science Behind Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers have become part of our daily routines, especially in situations where soap and water aren’t readily available. But how exactly do they work?
At the most basic level, hand sanitizers function by breaking down the protective outer proteins of germs, thereby killing them. Most hand sanitizers, like the one offered by Microbe Solutions, are alcohol-based, containing either ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol. These types of alcohol are incredibly effective at annihilating many types of germs.
Which is better, hand washing or hand sanitizer?
It’s important to note that hand sanitizers are not a panacea for all types of germs. While they are very good at killing most types of bacteria and viruses, there are some so-called ‘superbugs,’ including certain types of microbes, which have developed resistance to the effects of alcohol and other sanitizing agents. This means that even after using a hand sanitizer, these germs can remain on your skin and potentially cause illness.
So, while hand sanitizers play a critical role in preventing the spread of germs, they should not replace proper handwashing with soap and water.
Scientists at the University of Adelaide conducted an experiment comparing bacterial growth after using hand sanitizer and also after washing with soap. Their results actually showed that hand sanitizer killed more bacteria than washing with soap and water alone. They concluded the article by recommending a combined approach of alcohol based hand sanitizer and hand washing to avoid getting sick when spending time in public environments.
Understanding Microbe Solutions’ Unique Approach
We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy, germ-free environment. Based in New Jersey, Microbe Solutions offers comprehensive disinfecting and sanitizing services for both commercial and residential applications. What truly sets us apart is our unique, two-pronged approach to combating the spread of germs.
We don’t just disinfect spaces; we provide a preventative solution as well. Our service includes the removal and prevention of a multitude of harmful pathogens, such as germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens, mold, and mildew.
This thorough approach employs our family of products that are all based on our safe and effective Common Sense formula. This ensures that your spaces are not only clean but also safeguarded against future contamination.
The Power of Our Antimicrobial Formula
At the heart of our service is the application of an environmentally safe, non-toxic formula. This cutting-edge product forms a protective layer over the treated surface, effectively inhibiting germs from growing and spreading.
Unlike other hand sanitizers that offer temporary cleanliness, our Common Sense formula offers lasting germ protection and odor removal. Once applied, this protective layer can endure without washing off, offering peace of mind and a healthier environment for an extended period.
Our Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
Beyond our sanitizing services, we also manufacture and sell a long-lasting, alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Unlike many hand sanitizers that can be drying, ours has a moisturizing effect, ensuring that your hands remain soft even with frequent use. Our hand sanitizer further aids in preventing the spread of germs, especially when you’re on the move.
Our formula contains grain based, hospital grade ethanol. Ethanol, which is derived from corn and sugarcane, is a renewable resource and considered safer for the environment. Common Sense long lasting, alcohol based hand sanitizer also contains aloe vera for an enhanced moisturizing effect to prevent dryness and irritation.
Why Choose Common Sense?
When you apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the alcohol works quickly and efficiently to break down the proteins and kill the germs on your skin. This process is particularly useful when you’re out and about, perhaps handling animal feed or preparing food, where the potential to spread germs is high.
All our products are readily available to purchase on our website, making it easy for you to keep your spaces—and your hands—clean and germ-free. Microbe Solutions is committed to helping you maintain a healthier, cleaner environment. In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into the science behind our Biostatic formula and how it works to prevent the spread of germs.
The Limitations of Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers play a vital role in our fight against disease-causing germs. However, it’s essential for everyone to understand their limitations. Despite their convenience and rapid action, hand sanitizers are not capable of annihilating 100% of germs.
Hand sanitizers function by using alcohol to break down the outer coating of many bacteria and viruses, effectively eradicating them. However, certain microbes have evolved to resist this process. These so-called ‘superbugs’ can survive and continue to spread even after exposure to hand sanitizers.
Moreover, the effectiveness of hand sanitizers is drastically reduced when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. The physical barrier created by dirt or grease obstructs the sanitizer from making direct contact with germs. This limitation becomes particularly relevant in situations involving food preparation, handling animal feed, or any activity that leads to visibly soiled hands.
The Role of Alcohol Concentration and the Limitation Against Certain Germs
The concentration of alcohol in the sanitizer also plays a critical role in its effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers with less alcohol content may not kill most germs and could merely slow down their growth rate instead of eliminating them completely.
Furthermore, hand sanitizers do not eradicate all types of germs. For instance, they are less effective against gastrointestinal illnesses caused by the norovirus or against some parasites.
While hand sanitizers offer a convenient method to reduce the number of germs on our hands, especially when soap and water are not readily available, they cannot replace the effectiveness of thorough handwashing.
The Role of Proper Hand Hygiene
At Microbe Solutions, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to germ control. We understand that maintaining a healthy, germ-free environment is essential, and we’re here to help you achieve that goal.
But we also know that germ control doesn’t stop at the surfaces in your home or office. That’s why we manufacture and sell a long-lasting, alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Unlike many hand sanitizers that can dry out your hands with frequent use, ours is moisturizing. It helps prevent the spread of germs without compromising the health of your skin. You can easily purchase our products on our website, ensuring you’re never without the tools you need to keep your spaces—and your hands—clean and germ-free.
We understand the limitations of hand sanitizers, which is why our comprehensive approach to germ control is so necessary. By combining our disinfecting and sanitizing services with the regular use of our hand sanitizer, you can enjoy a healthier, cleaner environment.
How Microbe Solutions Can Help
Our products are easily accessible and available for purchase on our website. This ensures that you always have the tools you need to keep your spaces—and your hands—clean and germ-free.
At Microbe Solutions, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy environment. By combining our disinfecting and sanitizing services with the regular use of our hand sanitizer, you can enjoy a cleaner, safer space. In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into the science behind our Biostatic formula and how it works to prevent the spread of germs.
Final Thoughts About Why Even the Best Hand Sanitizers Can’t Wipe Out 100% of Germs
As we’ve discussed throughout this blog post, no hand sanitizer, regardless of its strength or quality, can eliminate 100% of germs. While they undoubtedly play a crucial role in maintaining personal hygiene and reducing the risk of disease transmission, they have their limitations. Some microbes are resistant to the alcohol used in hand sanitizers, while others are not effectively eliminated by these products. Moreover, their effectiveness is significantly reduced when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
It’s also crucial to remember that the concentration of alcohol in the sanitizer impacts its effectiveness. Hand sanitizers with less than 60% alcohol may not kill most germs and could merely reduce their growth rate instead of wiping them out.
At Microbe Solutions, we understand these limitations, which is why we offer a comprehensive approach to germ control. Our services include thorough disinfection of spaces, followed by the application of our unique Biostatic formula. This product forms a protective layer over the treated surface, preventing the formation and spread of germs and providing lasting protection that hand sanitizers alone cannot provide.
In addition, we manufacture and sell a long-lasting, moisturizing hand sanitizer. Unlike many hand sanitizers that can dry out your hands with frequent use, ours keeps your skin healthy while helping to stop the spread of germs.
Understanding the limitations of hand sanitizers and the need for comprehensive hygiene practices is more important than ever in today’s world. By combining regular hand sanitizing with other preventive measures like using our disinfecting and sanitizing services, we can all contribute to creating a healthier, cleaner environment.
Authors
-
by
-
-
