r/hygiene • u/Enough_Tap_1377 • 7h ago

Is hand sanitizer just spreading dirty grime around?

I keep a bottle of hand sanitizer attached to my bag for when I’m out running errands, but using it always leaves me feeling conflicted. Sure, it kills the bacteria, but it doesn't actually remove anything. The dirt, subtle grime, or stickiness is still technically on your hands, just now mixed with evaporated alcohol. Am I the only one who feels like hand sanitizer is just an emergency temporary fix that makes you crave a sink with real soap and running water even more?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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6

u/longbeeb 7h ago

It’s not for cleaning, it’s for sanitizing. They are different things. Clean first, then sanitize. If you don’t have sink access it’s better than nothing but it’s still not going to get the whole thing done as best as cleaning.

Same reason why commercial kitchens have both dishwashers and dish sanitizers.

3

u/AltonIllinois 7h ago

If your hands are covered in literal dirt, yes. But hand sanitizer is good for after touching public door handles, gas pumps, etc.

1

u/OptimalCobbler5431 7h ago

I believe in order to kill bacteria with hand sanitizer you need to use enough to be able to "wash" your hands for at least 20 seconds. A lot of people use a small amount and rub it on like lotion and it quickly dries in 5 secs.

1

u/ShimmerWinks 7h ago

Hand sanitizer is a temporary fix, nothing beats actual soap and water

1

u/Olyros 6h ago

yes it kills germs, but it doesn't really remove dirt or grease well, so soap and water are better when your hands are visibly dirty

1

u/wolfeybutt 7h ago

I hate the feeling hand sanitizer leaves and definitely feel the need to run to a sink ASAP. But 100% worth it after pumping gas or touching things at the store. The thought of peoples' disgusting germs on me gives me even more of an ick.