How It Works: Cleaning Hands with Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Components to cleaning hands with waterless hand sanitizers (also known as handrubs), the proper technique, and how hand sanitizers work.

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How It Works: Cleaning Hands with Waterless Hand Sanitizer (PDF)

On this page:
Components
Technique
How it works

Components:

Two components

1. Waterless hand sanitizer
2. Friction

Technique:

Four steps:

1. Make sure all organic matter is removed from hands.
   All visible organic matter (for example: dirt) must be removed from hands prior to applying waterless hand sanitizer.
2. Apply a dime sized amount of waterless hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand or use a waterless hand sanitizer wipe.
3. Rub hands together covering all surfaces of hands and fingers.
4. Rub until waterless hand sanitizer is absorbed.
   

How it works:

• Waterless hand sanitizer provides several advantages over hand washing with soap and water. However, they are not effective if organic matter (dirt, food, or other material) is visible on hands.
• Benefits of waterless hand sanitizer:
  • require less time than hand washing
  • act quickly to kill microorganisms on hands
  • are more accessible than sinks
  • reduce bacterial counts on hands
  • do not promote antimicrobial resistance
  • are less irritating to skin than soap and water
  • some can even improve condition of skin