Hand Sanitizer

Hello there. You’ve probably felt me before, a cool, squishy gel that disappears into your hands like magic. I am Hand Sanitizer, and my story begins with a problem that you can’t even see. Before I came along, the world was full of invisible troublemakers called germs. They were everywhere, on doorknobs, on desks, and especially on hands. The only way to get rid of them was with a trip to the sink for a good scrub with soap and water. But what if you weren't near a sink? This was a big challenge, especially for doctors and nurses who needed to have perfectly clean hands all the time as they cared for people. Every moment spent walking to a sink was a moment not spent helping someone feel better. The world needed a hero who could fight germs in a flash. That’s where my story really begins, back in 1966. A very smart nursing student in California named Lupe Hernandez had an idea. She saw how busy the hospital staff was and imagined a way for them to clean their hands right where they stood. She pictured a special alcohol-based gel that could be used anywhere, anytime. That brilliant idea was me.

At first, my life was spent only inside the clean, white walls of hospitals and clinics. I was a special tool, a secret weapon for doctors and nurses. They would squeeze a little bit of me into their palms, rub their hands together, and in seconds, they were ready to safely care for the next patient. My main ingredient, alcohol, was my germ-zapping superhero. It worked instantly to stop those pesky germs from spreading and causing trouble. It was a very important job, and I was proud to help the helpers. But soon, people realized that germs weren't just a problem in hospitals. They were at school, on the playground, and on the bus. Everyone could use a germ-fighting sidekick. So, I went through a big change. I was no longer just for medical professionals. Companies started putting me into small, colorful bottles with easy-to-use flip-top caps. Some were clear, some sparkled with glitter, and others smelled like lavender fields or fresh-picked lemons. I was made to be portable. I could be clipped onto a backpack, tucked into a pocket, or kept in a car's glove compartment. I became a trusted friend during cold and flu season and the perfect partner for a quick clean-up after art class or before eating a snack on a field trip. I had gone from the hospital to homes and schools all over the world.

Today, you can find me almost everywhere, your pocket-sized protector ready for action. I am the quick and easy solution when a sink is out of reach. But I want to be clear about something important. I think my good friends, Soap and Water, are the absolute champions of clean. When you can get to a sink, they are the best team to call for a thorough cleaning, especially if your hands are visibly dirty. Think of me as their trusty sidekick, the hero you call on when you're on the go. My purpose is to give you and your family a little extra peace of mind. I help keep those pesky germs from spoiling your fun, so you can focus on building amazing sandcastles, acing your spelling test, and sharing laughs with your friends. I feel so happy knowing that the little idea from 1966 helps millions of people stay healthier every single day. I’m here to help you explore the world, one clean hand at a time.