When Using Hand Sanitizer, Be Sure To Rub Your Hands Until Dry

Maintaining clean hands is an essential practice to minimize the risk of illness, whether it stems from viral infections or other sources. The concept of “hand hygiene” is fundamentally supported by the washing of hands, particularly focusing on how frequently and thoroughly one washes their hands.

However, situations often arise where we find ourselves traveling, in a vehicle, or simply away from soap and water. In such cases, hand sanitizer becomes our most accessible alternative. But what is the actual efficacy of hand sanitizer? For instance, does the act of rubbing your hands after applying it influence its effectiveness?

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Arkansas, Francis Torko and Kristen E. Gibson—published their findings in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Their research presents valuable insights into the efficacy of hand sanitizers and emphasizes the importance of how long one should rub their hands after application. Spoiler: it is crucial to rub them until they are completely dry.

The researchers tested various hand sanitizers, examining factors like the duration of hand rubbing and the types of viruses involved. This study builds upon previous work that assessed the in vitro efficacy—essentially experimenting with microorganisms in isolation. However, in this new research, the approach involved real volunteers using sanitizers on their hands, which is a relatively unique method in existing literature.

The findings revealed that, irrespective of the type of sanitizer or duration of rubbing, hand sanitizers were effective in reducing the spread of viruses responsible for respiratory ailments (such as those affecting the nose, throat, or lungs). Conversely, they were found to be less effective against viruses causing gastrointestinal diseases (those affecting the digestive system).

Gibson summarized the results, stating, “Handwashing is always better than hand sanitizers alone”; however, she acknowledged that “if hand sanitizer is your only option, rubbing until dry will significantly enhance its efficacy in killing viruses (and potentially bacteria) as well.”

Therefore, the next time you reach for hand sanitizer, it’s essential to remember the importance of rubbing your hands until they are entirely dry. And even better, when circumstances allow, aim to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.