Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer helps to clean off any viruses or bacteria that might be on your hands. Washing with soap and water is better, but if you can’t, use hand sanitizer instead. Carry hand sanitizer with you when you go out.
How to use hand sanitizer:
- Use enough sanitizer to cover all the surfaces of your hands and fingers.
- Rub the sanitizer until your hands are dry, for about 20 seconds.
How to choose hand sanitizer:
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (often listed on the label as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, isopropanol, or 2-propanol).
- Do not use hand sanitizers labeled as “alcohol-free.”
- Do not use any hand sanitizers that are on the FDA’s “Do-Not-Use” list.
Tips about using hand sanitizer:
- Do not wipe or rinse off the hand sanitizer. Let it dry on your hands.
- Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer, and store it out of reach.
- Keep hand sanitizer out of your eyes.
- Do not use hand sanitizer to clean surfaces.
- Do not store hand sanitizer in hot places, like a car during the summer.
- Do not swallow hand sanitizer. Swallowing hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning.
Some examples of when to use hand sanitizer:
- Use hand sanitizer after each time you handle money.
- Use hand sanitizer after leaving a store.
- Use hand sanitizer while you are on the subway.
- Keep hand sanitizer in easy reach for guests, clients, and customers to use.