The effectiveness of hand sanitizing

Hand sanitizers come in many different forms, from liquid gels to foam to, more recently, a spray. As they kill germs but don’t necessarily remove dirt and debris, sanitizers are most effective when used as a complement to regular and proper hand washing. They also work well as a substitute for hand washing when that is not an option. Proper application is key to maximizing the effectiveness of sanitizers, no matter the form. Spray sanitizers reach the greatest surface area via application in comparison to foam and gel, but all types need to then be rubbed thoroughly on all areas of hands until dry. Sprays and foam have a premeasured dose of product, while gels can also be up to the discretion of the user. The typical application size for gels is half a teaspoon.