As a global community we’ve been fighting against the spread of COVID-19 since the start of the year, and that battle is finally reaching a turning point. As the number of infections begin to slow, we have to consider how we continue to turn the tide, and a big part of that is PPE. 

While many people think of disposable face masks and protective goggles when discussing PPE, one of the most effective methods of reducing the risk of coronavirus infection is hand sanitiser, or any sort of alcohol-based hand gel.

Even before the discovery of germs, hand-washing has repeatedly been linked to your general health and wellbeing. Louis Pasteur made massive in-roads in identifying germs between 1860 and 1864, but in the decades before poor hand hygiene had been linked to an increased risk of infection. 

It was in 1966 that the first patent was filed for an alcohol-based hand gel, and in the time since we’ve only seen its popularity and importance grow massively. After the initial mad rush to buy following lockdown, it’s now far easier to buy hand sanitiser, including in our PPE shop. But why is it so effective?

What is hand sanitiser?

The notion of using hand sanitiser versus everyday soap is still quite a new one for us, especially outside of the context of hospitals and the occasional portaloo. That’s not too surprising, since alcohol-based hand gels only really became widespread in use in the 1980s.

So what is hand sanitiser? And how does it differ from traditional soap? Well, most hand sanitisers are alcohol-based (though there are some alcohol-free forms), and are designed to be rubbed into the skin rather than lathering and then removing. The alcohol means that hand sanitisers will usually be absorbed or evaporate rapidly. 

The traditional blend of a hand sanitiser is alcohol, water, and an emollient to help prevent skin irritation. They really are that simple! This mixture then helps remove common pathogens from the skin, including coronavirus.

What hand sanitiser works best?

As we just mentioned, you can split hand sanitiser into two broad categories: alcohol-free, and alcohol-based, though the vast majority are alcohol-based. In nearly all studies that have been performed alcohol-based hand sanitisers outperform alcohol-free hand gels every time. 

The use of alcohol as an antiseptic dates back to 1363, so its properties for preventing infection are very widely known. This also plays a part in choosing what hand gel to buy. Some hand sanitisers have quite a low alcohol percentage, which greatly reduces their efficacy.

We’d always recommend choosing a hand sanitiser with at least a 60% alcohol level. That’s because any lower and the pathogens might not be exposed to the alcohol for long enough to ensure their removal. Our signature hand sanitiser contains 70% alcohol as standard. 

How should I use hand sanitiser?

Using hand sanitiser is not something you should do constantly throughout your day. Over-washing your hands can lead to its own issues, including cracked skin, and a removal of essential oils your skin needs to protect itself.

So how often should you use hand sanitiser? We’d recommend using it as soon as you get home after you’ve ventured outside, and always before you make the mistake of touching your face. Then, it’s just a matter of common sense; using it before eating, or after coming into contact with someone else. 

Simply apply a couple of compressions of hand sanitiser to your hands, and rub it in thoroughly. That means between your fingers and the back of your hands—not just your palms! Do that for 15-20 seconds or until the gel has disappeared and you should be clear of all unwanted germs, viruses and pathogens.

Buying hand sanitiser

As we already mentioned, if you’re looking for hand sanitiser to combat the spread of coronavirus then you should be buying 60%+ alcohol hand sanitiser. That’s why our best hand sanitiser has a 70% alcohol rate. You can buy hand sanitiser here. 

Because we’re dedicated to your safety, we also stock a wide range of other PPE options. We provide certified equipment, including KN95 masks, defensive goggles, face shields and thermometers. Your safety is worth prioritising.