How Do Hand Sanitizers Work?

The labels always read, "Kills 99.99% of Germs!" but does the science of hand sanitizers back it up? Today Reactions takes a closer look at the chemistry of what this goo is made of, and just how effective it really is against viruses and bacteria.Yay chemistry!

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Producer: Kirk Zamieroski

Writer: Alexa Billow

Executive Producer:
Adam Dylewski

Scientific consultants:
John M. Newsam, Ph.D.

Narrator/Fact Checker
Kyle Nackers

Sources:

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Reactions is produced by the American Chemical Society.

[aperson]

Sanitizer: kills 99.99% of germs






That one 0.01%: heheheh

[Antenox]

PSA: Hand wipes like Wet Ones are usually NOT alcohol-based. They are usually soaked in an antibacterial. The only ones that are alcohol-based are individually sealed, because alcohol evaporates so quickly.

[Kousha]

I never carry it around with myself, but I can't resist using it whenever I find one available. The feeling is so good |3

[superblyrics]

1 drop of sanitizer can kill 99.98% of germs
Me puts 2 drop
Germs:😔😭🤬🤬🤬🤬😤

[idreesal-busaidi]

Please cover a topic about the chemistry of perfumes.

[SWTWHITEGSR]

No lie your voice sounds like mandarker in dexter's laboratory.

[TheStigma]

Soap and water is more effective on the whole - but hand sanitizer is nice to have for portability and for dispensers in public places where getting your hands wet is impractical.

No matter which one you use, nothing beats being thorough and taking the required time in washing.

There's no point in washing your hands often if all you are really doing is splashing your hands with water and not rubbing between your fingers ect. That's probably the #1 point of failure for most people.

[furixmusic]

Plot twist:
He got all his views and subs after covid :0

[leonaswind]

The reason they won’t develop resistance against alcohol is the same human can’t resistance a knife stab

[sugaismineyoutouchhimuhave]

i have two handsanitizer one is called winter candy apple its has 68% of alcohol its from bath abd body works. the other handsanitizer i have its called equate its lemon scented its from walmart it has 62% of alcohol

[SidPlays]

Late to the party, but thanks for the info! I drive lyft and use this stuff all the time!

[AWWx]

I didn't know that hand sanitizers are effective at combatting viruses. I thought they were mostly effective against bacteria. Learn something every day. Of course, I'll continue to wash my hands the old fashioned way with soap and water, but I might try a bottle of that stuff, the kind with glycerin and/or aloe.

[kimyoungjin]

Viruses and bacteria’s must be high asf😂

[MrRyansittler]

How long after using it does it remain effective and how often should you reapply?

[neoessence]

There are places you can still buy disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer like bodythestore.com

[augustus]

Antibiotic handsanitizer seems like an insane idea, and would never be allowed to be produced or sold here in the European Union.

[StomatologiaWrocaw]

Genialny filmik oglądaliśmy na higienie, polecam

[rupakrabha-]

should we use it on hands during chemisrty practical?

[sureyawright]

I was thinking one day as I slathered this stuff on… I just went back to touching everything after.. my phone, steering wheel, shifter, etc… so how effective is it in the spread of infectious diseases is the real question?

[truthteller]

Nothing beats soap and clean water especially aftet visiting the toilet.