This article has been viewed 135,898 times. How long should the whole process take? Hand sanitizers may not remove or deactivate harmful chemicals. And to learn how to wash your hands properly, watch our guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seA1wbXUQTs Commonly asked questions about hand sanitizer: Q. This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Count to five while lathering up the soap all over your hands. Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and WaterWashing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. 1. Due to its alcohol content, hand sanitizer may irritate the wounds. However, it is always much better to use water with hand soap cause it’s more effective than hand sanitizer. If you are at home, you don't need to use it unless you are recovering from surgery, ill or your doctor has advised it. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html, http://www.foodinsight.org/when-to-use-hand-sanitizers-wash-hands-hygiene, http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/over-counter-products/article/6-things-know-about-hand-sanitizers, https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm509097.htm, пользоваться дезинфицирующим средством для рук, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified. If on the go, it's best to use a little bit of sanitizer after touching surfaces other people have access to and are touching, like seats, handles, doorknobs, transport holding straps, doors, utensils, crockery, shelves, etc. of Health and Human Services, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid124526-v4-728px-Use-Hand-Sanitizer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health. Proper handwashing reduces the amount of all germs and chemicals, and it gives you the best chance at preventing illness. But there are 5 germs it actually won't kill. from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Is it necessary to wash my hands before applying sanitizer? Finally, allow your hands to air dry until your skin has fully absorbed the sanitizer. Use hand sanitizer when there is no water to use. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 135,898 times. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. In Case of Eye Contact Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. You shouldn't be able to taste it, unless it's a scented one.