Washing hands is one of the most important ways to prevent germs, but it can be tedious and time-consuming. Who has time in this stressful world? Hand sanitizers make it easier but what do you do when one is not readily available?
Recently, there is an alternative people use as hand sanitizer, especially in times of emergency. This alternative is eyeglass cleaner and it may save you some precious moments. However, is it safe to use eyeglass cleaner as a hand sanitizer?
There are multiple answers available online when you search “eyeglass cleaner” and “hand sanitizer,” but most of them say no because it is made up primarily of alcohol. The alcohol and other chemicals in eyeglass cleaners protect the lenses from dust, dirt, and other elements that could scratch them. This article will answer the question, can eyeglass cleaner be used as hand sanitizer? Keep reading…
Can Eyeglass Cleaner Be Used As Hand Sanitizer?
The answer is “No“. Eyeglass cleaners do not contain enough of the chemicals present in hand sanitizer that destroy bacteria or denature viruses for it to be used as hand sanitizer. In any case, soap and water work best. Using a screen cleaner as an alternative to hand sanitizer seems like a costly way to accomplish what can be accomplished with just soap and water!
Possibly, eyeglass cleaner might be used if it contains at least 60% alcohol. But make sure the other ingredients aren’t toxic, though. Additionally, the moisturizing agent of the majority of hand sanitizers is made of glycerin or aloe vera gel which eyeglass cleaners do not have. In addition to moisturizing, glycerine or aloe vera aids in sanitizer penetration into fissures like those found under fingernails.
Why not just use regular 70% alcohol if you don’t want to buy sanitizer? It can be used for general cleaning and disinfection and is far less expensive than eyeglass cleaner. You can spritz it on your hands, phone, doorknobs, elevator buttons, and other things. Even your glasses might be able to use it. Although alcohol is a great degreaser and glass cleaner, make sure it won’t harm any unique coatings on your glasses.
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You physically remove potentially hazardous bacteria from your hands when you wash them. Use soap, and water, and be sure to thoroughly clean all surfaces, such as between your fingers and under your nails, when washing your hands.
Many people use eyeglass cleaner as a substitute for hand sanitizer due to the high price of certain brands or the unavailability of hand sanitizer at that particular time of need. However, there are many reasons why this is not recommended. The first is that the chemicals in eyeglass cleaner are not as strong or effective as those found in hand sanitizer.
The second reason is that other ingredients in the eyeglass cleaner can be toxic or poisonous and may cause skin reactions!
Eyeglass cleaner is not a good substitute for hand sanitizer. The best approach to clean your hands and get rid of any pathogens that might be on them is with soap and water. In comparison to handwashing, hand sanitizer is more of a second-aid solution.
Why Should You Not Use Eyeglass Cleaner As Hand Sanitizer?
1. There is no evidence that eyeglass cleaner is effective as a hand sanitizer
Eyeglass cleaner is not effective as a hand sanitizer because it does not kill the bacteria that cause infection. Additionally, eyeglass cleaner is ineffective at cleaning hands.
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2. There is a risk of eye irritation if eyeglass cleaner gets into the eyes.
There is a risk of eye irritation if eyeglass cleaner gets into the eyes from your hands. Also, some eyeglass cleaners are harsh and can damage lenses easily. It is best to wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your glasses and to use a dishwashing liquid detergent and warm water to clean your lenses.
3. There is a risk of skin irritation if eyeglass cleaner is used on the hands.
If you use eyeglass cleaner as a hand sanitizer, there is a risk of skin irritation due to the nature of the different chemical components such as isopropyl alcohol, sodium dodecyl sulfate, kathon, etc. The alcohol in the eyeglass cleaner can also cause irritation if it comes into contact with your eyes.
How Can You Safely Sanitize Your Glasses?
You can safely sanitize your glasses using a mild solution of water and soap. Some eyeglass cleaners have been shown to contain certain chemicals that can damage your lenses over time. You can also make use of a liquid soap or hand wash. You can also sanitize your glasses with a hand sanitizer, but it’s not advisable as it can damage your eyeglass depending on their chemical composition.
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FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Eyeglass Cleaners?
The main ingredients in eyeglass cleaner are sanitizing and disinfecting agents, including isopropyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, sodium dodecyl sulfate, kathon, water, etc. These solutions are available in the market and cover a wide range of cleaning and sanitization needs. The solutions must be effective as cleaners, have general availability on the market, be easy to handle and use, and be available in a variety of dispensing forms.
Where Can I Buy Eyeglass Cleaner?
The best place to buy eyeglass cleaner is from an optometrist, as they will have a wide range of cleaning products available. You can also purchase good quality eyeglass cleaners online, especially from Amazon. The best-selling ones on Amazon can be found here.
If you don’t have access to water, spray eyeglass cleaners and cleaning cloths are good options. It’s important to buy a microfibre cloth that is machine-washable, as regular clothes will get dirty and scratch your glasses. Optometrists often offer free refills of the cleaning liquid, which can help reduce the cost of cleaning your glasses.
What Are The Best Options For Cleaning Your Glasses?
The best option for cleaning glasses is to use a good lens cleaner and microfiber cloth. Another safe option is to use mild soap and water. High-quality lens cleaners are designed specifically to clean lenses without damaging them, and microfiber cloths are soft and effective at removing dirt and grime. Make sure to rotate the microfiber cloth so that it does not get stained or damaged. Do not use the same microfiber cloth for more than six months, as it will become dirty and ineffective.
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If your lenses have an anti-reflective coating, make sure the cleaner you choose is approved for anti-reflective lenses. Cleaning your eyeglasses can be done at an optical shop or professional eye care professional.
What Is The Best Way To Store Eyeglass Cleaner?
The best way to store eyeglass cleaner is in a cool, dry place that has limited exposure to light. The chemicals in the cleaner will break down over time if it’s exposed too much to heat and light, which will make it less effective.
If you are not using the eyeglass cleaner on a regular basis, it is best to store the cleaner in an airtight container. You may also want to keep this product away from children, as it is toxic if ingested.
How Often Should I Wash My Glasses Cleaning Cloth?
Many of us are guilty of not washing our glasses and cleaning our cloth on a regular basis. You should be sure to wash the cloth every week. You can wash your glasses cleaning cloths in the washing machine on a 60-degree wash with your clothes, or clean them with a damp cloth and soap, then air dry.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional hand sanitizers, eyeglass cleaner may be an option though this is not advisable because it is not effective for sanitizing hands. It is also important to understand the ingredients in eyeglass cleaner and how to properly use it as a hand sanitizer so it doesn’t cause skin reactions. Additionally, be sure to buy eyeglass cleaner from a reputable source and store it properly for future use.
The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.