Hand sanitizers are often considered to be an alternative to washing hands with soap. However, they are not always interchangeable. Research shows that sanitizers are only ideal in situations when your hand is dirt-free. If your hands are grimy and soiled, hand sanitizers won’t be very effective.
Hand sanitizers have existed for a while now. However, with the coronavirus outbreak in the world, it has become one of the essentials for every household. Doctors advise that frequently washing your hands can prevent you from getting sick due to the virus. Hence, hand sanitizers come handy whenever you’re out of the house, or you’ve touched something from the outdoors. Frequent sanitization of both, your hands and your house can keep you safe during this pandemic.
Sanitizers are available in different forms in the market: liquid, gel, spray, foam, etc. Although all of them are almost equally effective, people can buy these sanitizers based on their convenience.
Gel Hand Sanitizers
Gel hand sanitizers usually contain 60% to 95% of alcohol. The alcohol is typically in the form of ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol. The gel hand sanitizers are commonly used by doctors and commoners who spend their day outdoors most of the time. Children who are always on the go can keep the gel hand sanitizer handy while playing or when in school. Gel hand sanitizers are safe and easy to carry around.
Advantages
Gel hand sanitizer is the most popular form of hand sanitizer available in the market. It had existed far before this pandemic came into existence. Gel hand sanitizers have been commonly used by everyone worldwide. Gels are most effective when they are generously applied to the hands and left for a few seconds to air dry.
People believe that gels are convenient to slide around the hands and touch all the bases. Hand sanitizer kills the germs from the hands and does not remove it. Hence, the sanitizer must be applied to every nook and corner. Even if one slight surface is left, the germs can remain effectively on your hands.
Gels, if used in sufficient quantity, also reach the fingernails and cuticles. You can easily slide it to the front, back and in between the fingers for better results. They are also safe for children and can be used by them wherever they go out.
Most of the gel hand sanitizers contain glycerin, which soothes the skin. The glycerin restores the moisture, which is removed by the alcohol from the hands. Hand sanitizers work by removing the natural oil from the hands. Hence, it may become dry and rough. Glycerin restores the oil from the hands and prevents it from getting it dry and itchy.
Disadvantage
One disadvantage of hand sanitizer is that it drips from the hand. Hand sanitizers leave a mark on the floor and hence can leave a permanent spot on the floor. Also, if they are used insufficiently, it is not as effective on the germs. Sanitizers can only be effective when they are applied evenly on the surface. Also, one should always remain away from inflammable substances when they have used hand rub on their hands.
Prepare at Home
Since the current situation has all the hand sanitizers being sold out from all the stores, it may be ideal if you can prepare one at home. It will save you from going out and also get the job done.
To prepare gel hand sanitizer at home, you need:
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Tea Tree Oil
Now all you need to do is, mix three tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol with one tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Now, add a few drops of tea oil for fragrance. Tea oil is also beneficial in aligning the chakras. Quick and easy, your gel hand sanitizer is ready for use.
Spray Hand Sanitizers
Spray hand sanitizers are another form of hand sanitizer available in the market. The combination of all hand sanitizers is almost the same. With 60% to 90% alcohol as the main ingredient, they work on killing the germs from the hands. Spray hand sanitizers are applied by spraying it all over the hands.
Unlike the gel hand sanitizer, they evaporate quickly and are not sticky on the hands. They are handy to carry and can be quickly applied to the hands. Also, you can apply it to any surface before touching it, such as- door handles, grocery cart handles, car seats, etc.
Advantages
Spray hand sanitizers are almost like perfume with a beautiful fragrance. The only difference is that they can actually kill the germs and bacterias. Spray hand sanitizers are quick and easy to use compared to gel. They do not require seconds to dry off. They are light and mostly do not dry out the hands like gel hand sanitizers.
Disadvantage
The spray becomes wasteful as the air deflects some sanitizer, and it may also not touch the whole surface adequately. It does not reach between the fingers and fingernails. It becomes another concern about using sanitizer spray. Moreover, they are not as safe to be kept with children. If in case, they spray it on the face, mouth, or eyes in their “playfulness,” it may cause severe harm. Also, sprays mostly do not contain glycerin. Hence, the oil cannot be retained in the hands. Using spray sanitizers for a longer duration can also cause skin irritation.
Prepare at Home
To prepare hand sanitizer spray at home, you need:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Distilled water
- Spray bottle
Mixing 12 fluid ounces of alcohol with one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and three fluid ounces of distilled water will give you a spray hand sanitizer. All you need to do now is pour it into a spray bottle for use.
Verdict
Finally, although spray hand sanitizers are non-sticky and quick, they are not as effective as gel hand sanitizers. The gel also contains a higher dose, which can prevent the germs much more effectively than any spray ever could. Sanitizing the hand is all about proper cleaning of every corner of the hand. It can only be done by rubbing your hands with a gel. Also, gel lasts longer than spray bottles. Hence, a gel hand sanitizer is the best defense against germs.