The use of a hand sanitizer gel is becoming more and more popular these days, particularly with current news stories focusing on different sorts of disease-causing viruses. Most hand sanitizers are alcohol based, which protects our hands from bacteria and also protects us from picking up germs from the common things we touch every day. Some of these items may be things we do not suspect to carry germs - such as the bottom of our hand bags, telephones, tables, our computer keyboard, and any number of other common things that we handle every day. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of using hand sanitizing wipes and gels.

The concept of a hand sanitizer was unheard of prior to 1966. It was invented by Lupe Hernandez, who decided that an alcohol based quick cleaner would be a great item to sell to hospitals. Hernandez filed a patent and was later contacted by other business investors who studied her idea and improved upon it, thus making it an item for all consumers who were concerned with cleanliness. The idea caught on, and today it seems that hand sanitizers can be found just about everywhere. Restaurants, hotels, stores, and schools usually have a hand sanitizer dispenser where people can get a quick, water and soap-free cleanse on their hands. Today, there are liquid, gel and even non-alcohol hand sanitizers.

Most anti-bacterial soaps also kill germs and bacteria. In most studies, however, it becomes evident hand sanitizers - particularly those that are alcohol based - actually do a better job of providing germ protection. Anti-bacterial soaps do not have the same amount of alcohol that hand sanitizing products contain, such as Purell wipes and gel.

A hand sanitizer, however, is meant only to be used when one finds it difficult to wash his or her own hands at a given time. For instance, if you're always in a rush and you can't find the time to wash your hands properly, you can use an antibacterial hand sanitizer. Most people are expected to wash their hands as often as they can, particularly before they eat their meals or when they get home from supermarket, school, or even their office. If you're in a rush, you can certainly make use of a product such as Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes - but remember that because of the alcohol content of these type of products, your hands may get dry if you continue using them habitually.

Recently, the market has seen new brands of "green" hand sanitizers - and they perform fairly well too. Most doctors, however, do not recommend these styles of hand sanitizing wipes and gels - because although they can clean your hands, they may not offer protection from many varieties of harmful bacteria. Some people have even tried creating their own "natural" and alcohol free hand sanitizer blends made with an aloe vera base and tea tree and peppermint essential oils. These homemade hand sanitizers, however environmentally friendly they seem to be, will not do the complete task of protecting you from all kinds of germs and bacteria which cause diseases.  It may sound good to be eco-friendly and all natural because it seems the trend of the times, but it is still advisable to take into consideration that these "green" hand sanitizers and cleansers do not offer the same level of complete protection as a wipe, gel or foaming hand sanitizer such as those made by the Purell brand.

Hand sanitizing wipes and gels are a simple and convenient way of ensuring that your hands stay clean. It wouldn't do any harm, however, to simply pick up the habit of washing ones hands as often as possible. But when time or circumstances do not allow a proper wash with soap and water, using a hand sanitizer is an excellent way to get clean hands on the go!