How do hand sanitisers work?

After two and a half years of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is aware of the need for hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other germs. Hand sanitisers have become an essential part of our daily lives. But how do they actually work? We’ll take a look at the science behind hand sanitisers and how they can help keep us healthy.

What are hand sanitisers?

Hand sanitisers are a type of disinfectant used to clean hands and remove contaminants. They usually come in the form of gels, liquids or foam. There are many different types of hand sanitisers on the market, but they all work by using chemicals to kill germs and bacteria.

Hand sanitisers are especially useful in situations where soap and water are not available. They are also recommended when repeated hand washing would damage the natural skin barrier. Hand sanitisers have become commonplace in a wide variety of settings, from schools to hospitals and from airports to supermarkets.

How do hand sanitisers work?

Hand sanitisers work by using chemicals to dissolve the protein layer of viruses and bacteria, killing them. Depending on their active ingredient, hand sanitisers can be classified as alcohol-based or alcohol-free.

Alcohol-based sanitisers contain variable percentages of either ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. These sanitisers are only effective if the alcohol content is at least 60% (ethyl) or 70% (isopropyl). Alcohol at those concentrations immediately denatures proteins, inactivating certain types of microorganisms.

Alcohol-free products are usually based on disinfectants or antimicrobial agents. Examples of such active ingredients include benzalkonium chloride and triclosan. Alcohol-free hand sanitisers are just as effective as alcohol-based ones at eliminating germs and bacteria.

Are hand sanitisers always effective?

Hand sanitisers are most effective when used in the proper manner and on microorganisms that are susceptible to its active ingredient. Most hand sanitisers require thorough application over fingers and hands for a period of about 30 seconds to be really effective. Application must be followed by complete air-drying of the product. If the proper steps are followed, hand sanitisers effectively reduce populations of bacteria, fungi and certain viruses.

Despite their effectiveness, hand sanitisers cannot replace hand washing. They are not 100% effective in killing all bacteria and viruses. Only scrubbing the hands with water and soap for at least 20 to 30 seconds will remove all the germs.

What are the drawbacks of hand sanitisers?

Most hand sanitisers, unfortunately, are relatively ineffective against bacterial spores, non-enveloped viruses and encysted parasites. It’s also important to remember that hand sanitisers can’t clean the skin properly if applied on dirty hands. If your hands are soiled, you should accurately wash them with water and soap.

Some hand sanitisers may contain ingredients that can cause skin irritation, such as fragrances or dyes. If you experience any irritation, stop using the product and consult a doctor.

Conro Electronics, as a leading supplier of materials and tools in the electronic manufacturing industry, offers a wide choice of hand sanitisers from major manufacturers such as Ambersil and Carex.

We’ll show you how to improve product reliability while increasing performance and lowering costs. Our team of technical support specialists will provide your company with dependable global supply, unrivalled efficiency, and superior technical support.

Feel free to contact us on 0208 953 1211 or send us an email to info@conro.com