It was mentioned earlier that proper use of hand sanitizer could be a useful tool in combating the spread of novel coronavirus and other common illnesses. However, what exactly constitutes proper use?
The exact amount of hand sanitizer you need to use for it to be active may vary from product to product, but a general rule of thumb is this: use 3 mL of hand sanitizer. This is approximately two-thirds of a teaspoon. 3 mL is usually enough to cover all the surfaces of your hands. Use enough hand sanitizer so that all the surfaces of your hands can be thoroughly covered. A few drops in your palm that disappear after a few seconds will do you no good whatsoever.
Put at least 3 mL of hand sanitizer into the palm of your hand (or enough to cover your hands). Then rub your hands thoroughly together, ensuring that the hand sanitizer covers all the surfaces of your hands. Rub the hand sanitizer until your hands are parched. Do not wipe off the hand sanitizer or rinse it off. If the hand sanitizer has not yet entirely dried on your hands, then it has not yet taken full effect. This process of rubbing your hands together until the hand sanitizer is dehydrated will take at least 20 to 30 seconds.
To sum this up, the proper use of hand sanitizer involves rubbing the correct amount (usually 3 mL or more) on your hands for the correct length of time (until the hand sanitizer is completely dry; usually 20 to 30 seconds or more).
Only when hand sanitizer is appropriately and correctly used can it be an effective deterrent to the novel coronavirus.
