Q&A On Handwashing and Hand Hygiene

According to one study, most people in a work setting wash their hands about six times per day.  However, due to COVID-19, many are now washing their hands as much as 16 times per day, nearly three times more.

As to the use of hand sanitizers, the sales of hand sanitizers in the U.S. spiked by 1,400 percent between December 2019 and January 2020. This is when we first started hearing about the pandemic in China, and when concerns mounted that what was happening in China would soon spread around the world.

Because handwashing and hand sanitizers are now so important in helping us protect our health, and have become a way of life for most of us, we decided to use a Question and Answer format to answer many of the questions you may have on hand hygiene. 

Let’s begin:

How long have hand sanitizers been around?

A patented, alcohol-based hand sanitizer was developed in 1966. However, it was not until the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009, that the product received widespread use.

How much alcohol should a hand sanitizer have to be effective?

According to Public Health England, a hand sanitizer must contain at least 60 percent alcohol content to be effective and kill most viruses. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends only using hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol content.

Are there “green” hand sanitizers?

Yes, there are alcohol-free hand sanitizers that are more environmentally friendly, and there are green-certified hand sanitizers. However, use due diligence when selecting these hand sanitizers. While some may prove very effective, the Food and Drug Administration has a list of hand sanitizers they report are not effective at killing many virus, including those that cause COVID. Some of these are considered environmentally friendly hand sanitizers.

Does using a hand sanitizer replace handwashing?

This is probably the most crucial question in our series. The answer is no. There are several reasons for this; among them are the following:

• Hand sanitizers do not necessarily kill all germs and bacteria on our hands.

• Hand sanitizers are less effective if hands are dirty.

• Hand sanitizers primarily kill pathogens on the surface of our hands, not in the folds of our skin.

• Hand sanitizers do not remove soils, contaminants, or pathogens from out skin. Only effective handwashing, with soap and water, removes these contaminants.

How effective are hand gels?

Most hand gels contain the same ingredients as a traditional hand sanitizer. They also need an alcohol content of at least 60 percent to be effective. Some studies indicate that hand gels can irritate the skin over time and remove the natural oils on skin. Best, use them in moderation.

Should we purchase soap with antimicrobial properties?

There is no evidence that using antimicrobial hand soap is more effective than using traditional hand soap. What is most important is washing hands with soap and warm water for twenty seconds, and then drying hands with paper towels.

So, we should use paper towels and not electric hand dryers?

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study in 2012 that concluded: “The proper drying of hands after washing should be an integral part of the hand hygiene process. From a hygiene viewpoint, paper towels are superior to electric air dryers. Paper towels should be recommended in locations where hygiene is paramount, such as hospitals and clinics.” With COVID, hygiene is paramount in all facilities, not just hospitals and clinics.

What is the bottom line? 

When should we wash our hands with soap and water and when should we use hand sanitizers?

In the simplest of terms, washing hands is always preferable to using hand sanitizers. Remember, washing removes soils and pathogens. Use hand sanitizers when it is not possible to wash hands or when a quick-disinfect is necessary, such as after touching a door handle, elevator button, or similar high-touch surface.  

We are infection control experts, here to help building managers keep their facilities cleaner, healthier, greener, and safer, in the most cost-effective ways possible.

To learn more about Secure Clean, contact us at 888-609-1410.