Home
| Health
| Health Care
| Hand Sanitizer
| Use of Hand Sanitizing Wipes
Use of Hand Sanitizing Wipes
by Contributing Writer
-
Overview
Use hand sanitizing wipes when you don't have soap and water. They fit in your purse or pocket, and when used properly, kill over 99 percent of germs and bacteria. They are perfect for use at amusement parks, theatres, playgrounds--any public place where your hands contact surfaces with germs. Many grocery stores provide wipes to customers when they enter the store.
Hand wipes come in a variety of packaging.
-
Significance
Many types of germs are spread by contact. Hands touch ears, eyes, mouth and nose, then touch surfaces at playgrounds, grocery stores--any public place can have significant sources of infection. To minimize infection, clean surfaces that have been in contact with other people's hands, and keep your own hands clean with sanitizing wipes.
-
Proper Use
Sanitizing wipes are meant to kill germs and remove light soiling. If your hands are really dirty and you can't wash with soap and water, use a wipe to clean off excess dirt. Then use a second wipe or more after the visible soil is gone to kill germs.
Clean non-contact surfaces first, like the top of your hands, then in between your fingers. Wet around your fingernails with the solution. Finally, unfold the wipe, and rub it thoroughly between both hands.
Dispose of hand wipes in the garbage. Unless the product is listed as "flushable," do not put hand wipes in the toilet. They do not break up in water like toilet paper and could cause clogging. Plastic handwipe containers are usually recyclable.
-
Considerations
Different wipes contain different disinfectants (usually alcohol) and also different emollients, like aloe, glycerin or lanolin to moisturize your skin. Don't use sanitizing wipes to clean your eyeglasses; they will leave a foggy film that must be washed off with detergent or polished with a soft cloth.
Most brands of sanitizing hand wipes are not meant to be used on your face or bottom. They are too harsh, and special care should be taken not to contact mucous membranes or your eyes. Do not touch your eyes or face until the solution on the hand wipe has dried. Some products use a gentle chemical antimicrobial and are safe to use on your face. Check the packaging to be sure.
Many wipes also contain fragrances that may be allergenic. If you experience redness, rash, or other irritation from using hand wipes, discontinue use and try another brand.
