In this article, industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by in-house custodial/facility managers.

What are the benefits of the different sanitizer varieties – foam vs. gel vs. spray vs. wipes?

All forms of hand sanitizer – if they contain between 60 and 95% alcohol - are potentially effective. Gels are easy to use and are typically the least expensive option. Foams have an advantage in clinging better to the hands, reducing dripping onto the floor or clothing. Spray hand sanitizers may be somewhat wasteful, as some of the product will miss your hands or be deflected into the air. Wipes may or may not be as effective as a gel or foam, and although they offer both chemical and mechanical means of germ elimination, it would be important to achieve full coverage of the entire hand to sanitize your hands.
— Ronald Lewis, associate brand manager, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz.

All sanitizer types do the job, but some are easier to use and more convenient than others. For example a good quality foam spreads easier and does not drip like liquids or sprays. Foam will go where you spread it while a liquid goes wherever gravity takes it. Wipes work well but must be discarded when finished, adding to landfills.
— Bob Bernet, vice president of sales, Kutol Products Company, Sharonville, Ohio

All alcohol based sanitizers will provide a certain level of benefit no matter the form.
Foam is a cost effective alternative for facilities as it can stretch dollars by delivering less product per "dose" The mere action of foaming a sanitizer adds air to the "dose" thus less active ingredient is delivered in the application to the hands. Spray sanitizers are much the same in that less product is delivered per dose thus saving costs. Formulas tend to be water thin for spray applications and doses need to be smaller so that the product will not pour over and through the hands once dispensed. Gel sanitizers provide the best and most complete coverage to the skin. The correct dose can be dispensed and easily remains in the palm until you rub your hands together and spread the sanitizer to all parts of your hands. Gel sanitizers can be spread evenly and easily providing the best defense against germs and it dries quickly. In high risk settings such as health care or food processing/food service alcohol gels are the best choice as they generally provide a higher dosage amount and more effectiveness. The friction created by using sanitizing wipes may be a more effective way to rid the hands of germs as well as some soils. However, depending on several factors such as the size of the wipe relative to your hands, or, the amount of solution on the wipe itself (is it older and dried out?) will have a bearing on the effectiveness of the application.
— Lori Huffman, head of marketing, NAFTA, STOKO Skin Care, Greensboro, N.C.

GOJO provides varieties of hand sanitizer because preferences vary. Some facilities prefer gel and others prefer foam or wipes. In away-from-home markets, foam has really taken off. Foam hand sanitizers are less likely to drip, while wipes remove dirt from hands as they sanitize.
— Joe Drenik, marketing communications and services senior director, GOJO Industries, Inc., Akron, Ohio

Which type of sanitizer application (foam, gel, spray, wipes) is best suited for each of these facility types and why?

K-12 schools - Foam (Non alcohol) – safer, more economical, less messy and more enjoyable to use for kids
Colleges/Universities - Foam (Non alcohol) – safer, more economical, less messy
Healthcare - Gel Alcohol – the preferred choice for the medical profession
Commercial - Foam (Non alcohol) – safer, more economical, less messy
Hospitality - Foam (Non alcohol) – safer, more economical, less messy
— Bob Bernet, vice president of sales, Kutol Products Company, Sharonville, Ohio

The decision to use gel or foam is largely based on facilities’ preferences rather than facility type. Certain facilities, like health clubs and grocery stores, offer wipes because they sanitize hands and remove light soil. Individually packaged wipes are more commonly used in the foodservice industry because of their convenience. In general, foam is more dominant in offices and other B2B settings.
The types and locations of the delivery systems are as important as the form of hand sanitizer. Access is key, and convenient access is essential to encourage use. That’s why in healthcare facilities we have so many options for making hand sanitizer available at the point of care. Dispensing options include stationary bottles, bottles that attach to beds and other equipment through the use of brackets, wearable bottles and small wall-mounted dispensers that easily fit in tight spaces.
Studies have shown that hand sanitizer use increases when product is provided in touch-free dispensers. GOJO continues to innovate in development of touch free systems. Touch-free is an important consideration for any facility serious about protecting the health and well being of its employees and patrons.
— Joe Drenik, marketing communications and services senior director, GOJO Industries, Inc., Akron, Ohio

K-12 schools – Foam sanitizer is adequate for general purpose use. They will provide effective germ defense, last longer and offer more doses for high traffic areas. They will also present a cost savings to the already stretched educational budgets.
Colleges/Universities- Foam again is recommended for colleges and universities for the same cost savings, dollar stretching reasons as K-12 use. It has high user acceptance, thus more students and staff may be more prone to use it more often resulting in a healthier environment overall.
Healthcare – Alcohol based Gel sanitizers are strongly recommended for healthcare settings. Gels will provide the right amount of product and can be spread more evenly and consistently across all areas of the hands. Plus, the viscosity of the product ensures it will dispense directly to and stay in the palm until the hands are rubbed together.
Commercial – Foam or spray sanitizers can be used in most general commercial applications. Each of these sanitizers are good for general purpose use and high traffic areas. They provide adequate sanitizing properties and are a good fit in cost conscious budgets.
Hospitality – Different types of sanitizers can be recommended for hospitality depending on what areas of a facility you are considering. Higher risk areas such as where food is served should offer gel sanitizers to provide the most complete coverage possible thereby minimizing risk of cross contamination. Work out areas should offer wipes throughout the workout area and perhaps spray or foam at the entrances/exits.  Foam can be used for general areas such as lobby’s, entrances, exits and hallways, as it has higher user acceptance and is considered more luxurious than other options.
— Lori Huffman, head of marketing, NAFTA, STOKO Skin Care, Greensboro, N.C.

K-12 schools: Foam - It is less messy and easy for the kids to use.
Colleges/Universities: Foam - It clings better to the hands, there will be less floor or wall damage from dripping or slinging.
Healthcare: Foam or Gel. Foam is preferred to reduce floor or wall damage from dripping or slinging, but if that is not an issue, gel is slightly less expensive.
Commercial: Foam or Gel - Foam is preferred to reduce floor or wall damage from dripping or slinging, but if that is not an issue, gel is slightly less expensive.
Hospitality: Foam or Gel - Foam is preferred to reduce floor or wall damage from dripping or slinging, but if that is not an issue, gel is slightly less expensive.
— Ronald Lewis, associate brand manager, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz.




POSTED ON: 10/2/2012