Hand sanitisers – How effective are they?

Who could have predicted that the world would run short on supplies of hand sanitisers by mid-March 2020? You simply cannot obtain this crucial public hygiene supply anywhere, regardless of the cost. And yet not all hand sanitisers are alike. Broadly speaking, there are two types of hand sanitisers: alcohol-based and organosilane.

The need for hand sanitisers to combat the spread of COVID-19 during the 2020 pandemic has become a public health priority, and this has put its effectiveness under the spotlight.

The trend, like everywhere else in the hygiene industry, is to treat the problem at the source, and to deliver lasting protection, not just providing a short-term quick fix.

When used correctly, the vast majority of hand sanitisers are alcohol-based and aims to reduce the number of microbes on the skin. But their use is not always as effective as simply washing with soap-and-water, and they have a couple of drawbacks. The first of these shortcomings includes re-contamination as soon as a tainted area is touched. The other is the removal of the natural oils lining the skin, causing irritation and cracking.

Organosilane hand sanitisers in contrast are powerful and versatile non-alcohol based antimicrobial cleaners and protectants. Their special formulation effectively cleans, sanitises, and offers a long-lasting broad-spectrum shield against harmful microbes. In effect, they kill these pathogens on contact. Unlike alcohol-based treatments that offer temporary protection, organosilane hand sanitisers can offer between 6 to 24-hours of protection. And some versions contain Aloe Vera which helps to keep hands hydrated and further inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms.

In tandem with the long-term protection afforded by organosilane hand sanitisers, there are also a couple of other strategies that will enhance their protection against disease. They include:

1. Regular washing of hands with soap-and-water between organosilane treatments to clean away organic oils and fats, dirt and grime, and unseen microbes.
2. Cleaning touch-points with organosilane surface sanitisers to add an extra layer of protection.

Much like other areas of life, people are increasingly questioning the accepted approaches to public health and hygiene. We are becoming more educated about the often harmful effects of traditional treatments. Newer holistic solutions on the other hand have been proven and certified to be more effective.