Should You Buy Bulk Hand Sanitiser?
Hand sanitiser has become a sought-after product by both businesses and individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of good hand hygiene in reducing the spread of disease-causing pathogens. And using hand sanitiser regularly is an essential part of good hand hygiene, complementing–but not replacing–the need for regular hand washing.
We spend out days surrounded by microscopic bacteria and viruses; floating through the air and resting on surfaces that we touch. Some–but not all–are harmless, but there is no way for us to the ones we are being exposed to are harmful or not. Coming into contact with disease-causing bacteria and viruses won’t always make you ill either, since these pathogens need a way into your system. And the most common path for them to follow is through our eyes, nose, and mouth, which we unconsciously touch or rub many times each day. Which is why good hand hygiene is encouraged.
Good hand hygiene not only reduces the risk of you transferring germs from surfaces and objects have touch to the areas around your eyes, nose, or mouth, it also reduces the risk of your transferring it to other surfaces or people you encounter. It isn’t always easy to access soap and water to wash your hands, so you are encouraged to carry portable hand sanitiser on you. And businesses have been encouraged to make hand sanitiser stations accessible, so you often find sanitiser dispensers at the entrance, and at various points throughout the business space.
This demand for hand sanitisers has often led to shortages, creating a higher demand for bulk hand sanitiser. But should you buy bulk hand sanitiser? The short answer is yes, with certain caveats. While the COVID-19 pandemic drove some high-demand for hand sanitiser, it has also created a heightened awareness of the benefits of using hand sanitiser regularly. And even in the absence of a pandemic, many people will continue to use or want access to hand sanitiser at the workplace and in other businesses. So, buying hand sanitiser in bulk won’t be a risky investment.
What to Remember When Buying Bulk Hand Sanitiser
One of the reasons there was a shortage of hand sanitiser at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was that manufacturers were only making enough sanitiser to meet the pre-pandemic demand. All alcohol-based hand sanitisers have a shelf-life of two to three years. And just as manufacturers were limiting output to ensure they never had too much stock on hand, you too should never buy more hand sanitiser than you would reasonably use within six to twelve months. Hand sanitiser does not spoil, but the alcohol content does evaporate, and after two to three years there is a risk that the alcohol level would have dropped below being effective.
But don’t only limit yourself to buying what you or your business would reasonably go through in six to twelve months, you should also make sure it is stored properly. This doesn’t only mean keeping your bulk sanitiser in a cool, dry place, it should also meet the recommendations for storing and handling potential hazardous substances.
Which Hand Sanitiser Is Better?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides information for consumers on hand sanitisers. Over and above that, the main thing you should be concerned about when buying bulk hand sanitiser is the alcohol content. For effective protection against the spread of pathogens, only alcohol-based sanitisers are recommended, and then the alcohol content level should always be between 60 and 90 percent. Alcohol-free sanitisers only protect against some bacteria, but not against viruses.
The alcohol used should either be ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropyl, never methanol. As long as the sanitiser you are considering meets those requirements, it shouldn’t matter whether you buy hand sanitiser spray, gel, or wipes. Each of those types of hand sanitiser should be as effective as the others. Where or how it would be used could influence your choice. Automated and manual dispensers are made for dispensing either gel or liquid sanitiser, so you would need to ensure you buy the type your dispensers are designed for.
Is Washing Your Hands Better than Using Sanitiser?
Washing your hands using soap and water is recommended over the use of hand sanitisers. Hand sanitisers are not meant to be used on hands that are soiled or visibly dirty; they don’t clean the same way soap and water does, and the dirt will interfere with the sanitiser’s ability to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Soap and water clean and sanitise at the same time, and also make it easier for you to see that you have covered all parts of your hands, including between your fingers, and across your fingernails.
However, this does not mean that hand sanitiser is ineffective. Instead, it should be used as an alternative to hand washing when soap and water is not available. But once you have access to soap and water, you should immediately wash your hands for the recommended 20 seconds.
When Should I Use Hand Sanitiser
Use hand sanitiser whenever you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water and have had to touch multiple objects or surfaces in public spaces.
How Does Hand Sanitiser Work?
The alcohol in hand sanitiser affects the metabolism of pathogens by breaking apart proteins or splitting cells, effectively killing them. Higher levels of alcohol are recommended not only because it works faster, but also because you are able to cover more surface area before the alcohol evaporates. Not applying enough sanitiser, or using a weaker alcohol solution, means the risk of not eliminating most germs on your hands is higher.
Elyptol carries a range of TGA registered hand sanitisers available as single items or in bulk, whether you are looking for portable sanitisers for personal use, or larger containers for business use. And being available for purchase online means you are always able to see what is in-stock without having to drive from one store to another.