How Long Does Hand Sanitizer Last?

Hand sanitizers, face masks, protective equipment…our ears have become prone to these words in the current pandemic world. But out of the three, hand sanitizers have raised many questions.

Even with so many hand sanitizer manufacturers in the market, there’s no end to the doubts in people’s minds. The most common question that’s asked is ‘how long does hand sanitizer last?’

And that’s what this blog is all about.

But before we go deeper, let’s take a look into what is a hand sanitizer.

What Is a Hand Sanitizer?

Hand sanitizers are formulas containing alcohol bases as the main component. When applied to the hand, these formulations ‘sanitize’ the hand by killing the existing microorganisms.

Hand sanitizers are usually available in liquid and gel forms. Currently, these hand rubs are considered the second-best alternative to hand and soap, especially in areas with water scarcity.

Previously, we’ve discussed what causes a hand sanitizer to not work well? If you haven’t given it a go yet, make sure to check it out.

So, now that we have the initials covered, we’ll dive into the pressing issue.

How Long Does Hand Sanitizer Last?

With the ongoing influx of hand sanitizers, the widespread belief is that hand sanitizers work well. But is there a specific time frame for that?

Well, for starters, you might be surprised by the short-term effects of hand sanitizers. That’s one of the reasons why handwashing remains the top choice for killing off germs.

Handwashing works by flushing the germs off your hands. On the other hand, hand sanitizers kill the bacteria present at the moment of application.

So, what gives way to its brief effectiveness?

Coming in contact with a dirty surface.

Imagine sanitizing your hands and then picking or touching a surface that others have touched too. Your hands are bound to pick up whatever dirt or germs that object has. And that’s why your sanitizer will remain in effect until the next time you’ve picked a contaminated item.

One thing to keep in mind: avoid touching your face or eat without washing your hands with soap or sanitizing it after you come across a dirty surface – even if you sanitized your hand a minute ago.

To get your hands on a long-lasting hand sanitizer, check out our products.

How long does a hand sanitizer last depends on how effective the active ingredient is, i.e., ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

Another factor that impacts the duration of a long-lasting hand sanitizer is the application method.

So, while applying hand sanitizers, cover your hands all through the wrists and in between the fingertips.

A word of caution: Using hand sanitizers as an alternative for handwashing with soaps is never recommended, especially if you want to clean your hands after eating. Sanitizers only work against microorganisms and not food particles.

But how long does hand sanitizer last on your hands?

There have been many speculations about hand sanitizers. Besides wondering how long does hand sanitizer last, people have also questioned how long does hand sanitizer last on your hands?

Many Americans believe that hand sanitizers can last up to 2 to 3 hours once applied. Some even think that applying for three minutes is the right way to make a hand sanitizer last longer. But that’s where the shocking truth unveils.

Contrary to popular belief, hand sanitizers only work for around 2 minutes.

Confused?

The reason why that happens is what we’ve already discussed above. The moment you come in contact with a dirty surface, that’s when your hand sanitizer starts losing its efficacy. That’s because alcohol tends to evaporate after it has dried.

FDA recommends rubbing a hand sanitizer on your hands until the alcohol component ‘leaves.’ The time it takes is usually 20 seconds – the recommended rubbing time. Besides that, CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60-70 percent alcohol concentration.

If you’re looking for high-quality, long-lasting hand sanitizers, Queen Industries is the right place to buy. We stock hand sanitizers in bulk as well as in individual bottles. Additionally, all our bottles are made out of 100% recycled plastic. This way, we contribute to a cleaner and greener Earth.

Do Hand Sanitizers Have an Expiry Date?

Of course. Just like any other product, hand sanitizers come with an expiry, too.

Usually, hand sanitizers have a shelf-life of 2-3 years. And since alcohol is volatile and evaporates when exposed, manufacturers often use air-tight containers to prevent evaporation.

Does Expired Sanitizer Work?

Have you let a hand sanitizer sit on the shelf well past its expiry? Are you wondering if it will still work?

Well, the simple answer to your question is yes and no.

A hand sanitizer that’s expired loses the alcohol percentage with time. So, if a hand sanitizer has 70% alcohol at its manufacturing time, the percentage lowers below 50% after its shelf life. That means your expired hand sanitizer cannot provide the level of protection against microorganisms as effectively.

In Conclusion

We think it’s better to be safe than sorry, and thinking, does expired sanitizer work?

So, it’s best to check the expiry date of the hand sanitizer you intend to buy. And if the expiry date isn’t present, you can assume a 3-year expiry period after you’ve bought it.

But, buying from a quality manufacturer is key to ensuring you’re doing everything you can to maintain your hygiene.

At Queen Industries, we offer the best hand sanitizers in different quantities, all packed in 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Whether you want to buy in bulk or for individual use, call us today for purchase.