Since not everyone has access to soap and water when they are on the go, many resort to using the next best option: hand sanitizer. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not readily available. Most people keep a hand sanitizer readily available in their cars, using it before entering stores and afterexiting stores. However, it may not be safe to leave it in the car when it’s a hot day.
Is It Safe to Keep Hand Sanitizer in a Hot Car?
A viral photo taken in Brazil of a burned car door, apparently the result of keeping hand sanitizer near an open flame in a car, warned the dangers of keeping gel sanitizer in vehicles on a hot day. Although rare, there is a chance that hand sanitizer will ignite, causing a fire in the interior of the vehicle.
There are also concerns that heat and direct sunlight can degrade some of the essential ingredients within the hand sanitizer, making it less effective. However, experts suggest that this really depends on the contents of the sanitizer. It is advised to keep hand sanitizer out of direct sunlight if you are going to be leaving it in the car.
Store hand sanitizer in a cool, dry environment away from direct heat and sunlight. If left in the car, choose a shady spot such as in the glove box where the sun will not directly hit the bottle. Better yet, carry the hand sanitizer with you and remove the risk of it damaging your vehicle. You can buy small containers of gel that are great for carrying with you on your key chainor popping in your pocket or purse. This also gives you instant access to disinfectant before entering and exiting grocery stores, workplaces, and more.
The team at Hoffman Brown Company is here to look out for you. Share these tips with your friends and family to help protect more people and reduce the risk of accidents.
