1. Home
  2. Health
  3. First Aid

Waterless Hand Sanitizer
When Soap and Water are Not Available

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated May 02, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Waterless hand sanitizer is generally not to be used instead of soap and water. However, with proper use, hand sanitizers can clean hands nearly as well as washing. In a disaster, when water supplies are low, waterless hand sanitizers can help you conserve what water you do have.

Even if waterless hand cleaner is used, be sure to wash hands with soap and water -- if available -- as soon as possible after each contact with a medical victim.

Note: Instant hand sanitizers are not effective if there is visible dirt or grime on hands. In that case, wash your hands with soap and water.

CleanWell All-Natural Hand Sanitizer

A 6 oz bottle, just the right size to take on the go.
Compare Prices

Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer

Perfect size to pass through airport security in your carry-on luggage.
Compare Prices

Nexcare Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

A household sized bottle, 16.9 ounces, is great for the bathroom or the backyard.
Compare Prices

Hobe Marketing Instant Hand Sanitizer

Keep this 8 fl oz bottle on your desk at the office.
Compare Prices

EO Hand Sanitizer

Another 8 oz size bottle good for the office. This one includes a pump dispenser.
Compare Prices

All Terrain Hand Sanz with Aloe & Vitamin E

An 8 oz size of hand sanitizer that includes aloe and vitamin E for better skin care.
Compare Prices

Sources:

Boyce, J.M., and D. Pittet. "Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings." 25 Oct 2002. MMWR recommendations and reports. CDC. 04 Nov 2007.

Vessey, J.A., et al."Comparing hand washing to hand sanitizers in reducing elementary school students' absenteeism." Pediatric nursing. Jul-Aug 2007 PMID: 17907739.

Explore First Aid
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. First Aid
  4. Emergency Preparedness
  5. Personal Protective Equip
  6. Instant Hand Sanitizer - Waterless Hand Cleaner >

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.