The Ultimate Guide to Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs: Benefits, Uses, and Effectiveness
Good hygiene has never been more essential, and alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) have become a go-to solution for keeping hands germ-free. With their effectiveness, portability, and convenience, they offer a reliable way to stay protected in a variety of settings. Here’s a simple guide to their benefits, proper use, and tips to maximize their effectiveness.
What Are Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs?
Alcohol-based hand rubs are sanitising solutions made with alcohol (like isopropyl alcohol (Isopropanol) or ethanol) and other ingredients like chlorhexidine, Mecetronium, Emollients and Moisturizers designed to clean your hands without needing water. These solutions typically have 60-95% alcohol, proven to kill most germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They’re quick to use and perfect for situations where soap and water aren’t an option.
How Do They Work?
Alcohol, the main ingredient, destroys germs by coagulating proteins and resulting in a cell death. They are effectively kill harmful bacteria, viruses, yeasts and even fungi. While commonly used in hospitals, these rubs are just as useful at home, in the workplace, or on the go.
Why Use Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs?
1. Quick Germ Elimination
ABHRs can kill 99.9% of germs in seconds, making them ideal for emergencies or busy moments.
2. Convenient and Portable
Compact bottles like the Cororid Hand Sanitizer, Cororid Medpink, Cororid Medblue 50ml/100ml are easy to carry, ensuring you’re prepared wherever you are.
3. Gentle on Skin
Modern formulations include moisturizers and emollients preventing dryness even with regular use. They provide a smooth feeling after use.
4. No Water Needed
Perfect for places with limited access to clean water, ABHRs keep your hands clean anytime, anywhere.
5. Reduced Infection Risks
In healthcare settings, they’ve proven effective in reducing infections by encouraging better hand hygiene.
How to Use Them Effectively: Follow steps of hand rubbing suggested by WHO
- Use Enough Product: Ensure your hands are fully covered, including between fingers and under nails.
- Rub Thoroughly: Keep rubbing until your hands are dry.
- Avoid Towels: Let the product air dry for maximum effectiveness.
When to Use ABHRs vs. Soap and Water
Use ABHRs:
- Before and after aseptic procedures
- Exposure to contaminating environment/surroundings
- Faster sanitation of hands
- Donning of gloves for an aseptic procedure
- After touching frequently used surfaces.
- Before and after visiting medical facilities.
- When soap and water aren’t available.
Use Soap and Water:
- When hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
- After handling food or chemicals.
- After using restroom
- Before serving food to patient
- When have had exposure to spore forming microorganisms
Why Choose Cororid Hand Sanitizer?
Cororid Hand Sanitizer offers:
- Isopropyl alcohol: Better skin compatibility, better antimicrobial action compared to ethanol-based hand rub
- Proven antimicrobial efficacy against broad range of microorganisms as per EN protocol.
- High Alcohol Content: Quick and effective germ elimination.
- Gentle Formula: Keeps skin hydrated during use.
Conclusion
Alcohol-based hand rubs are an essential tool for staying healthy. They’re effective, easy to use, and a perfect companion for today’s hygiene-conscious world. For reliable hand hygiene, trust products like Cororid Hand Sanitizer, Cororid Medpink, Cororid Medblue available in different pack sizes like 50ml, 100ml flip top, spray, pump, 500ml with dispensing pump and 5L to keep you protected and prepared.