FAQs
Why MICRO19 is effective?
MICRO19 is specially formulated to care for your skin even after frequent and repeated use.
Alcohol is effective at killing different types of microbes, including both viruses and bacteria, because it unfolds and inactivates their proteins. The effectiveness of alcohol gels depends on the virus being targeted which is why some alcohol hand sanitisers are not as effective against norovirus – the coronavirus has an envelope structure which alcohol can attack.
When does a hand sanitiser not work?
Hand sanitisers with less than 60% alcohol are less effective at killing bacteria and fungi and may only reduce the growth of germs rather than killing them outright.
100% alcohol is not effective because water is required in the hand sanitiser to keep alcohol from evaporating too fast, allowing the virus to be drenched for longer. Water is also needed for the process that interferes with protein function.
How long do hand sanitisers keep working?
They do not provide long-lasting protection. Hand sanitisers kill whatever is on your hands at that moment. If you touch something else contaminated, you need to clean your hands again. The same goes for water & soap.
MICRO19 Commercial Grade (WHO formulation)
MICRO19 offers a range of heavy duty, commercial grade products, following The World Health formulation (WHO), containing 80% alcohol in a liquid formulation. MICRO19’s commercial grade products are suitable for use in hospitals, medical practices, retail outlets, shopping centres, hospitality etc.
How is a Coronavirus killed? The effective level of alcohol required to kill the coronavirus on your hands is between 60 – 80% alcohol.
Is hand sanitiser effective against COVID-19?
The best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is by washing your hands with plain soap and water. Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. If soap and water are not available, it is recommended to use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
How do hand sanitisers work?
Hand sanitisers contain antiseptic ingredients. An antiseptic is a substance that is used on the skin to kill microorganisms or prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Hand sanitisers can be either hand washes for use with water or hand rubs for use without water and are regulated as either a cosmetic or therapeutic goods depending on how they are used, what they contain and what they claim to do.
When does a hand sanitiser not work?
Hand sanitisers with less than 60% alcohol are less effective at killing bacteria and fungi and may only reduce the growth of germs rather than killing them outright.
What a cosmetic hand sanitiser?
Hand sanitisers, or antibacterial skin preparations, are classified as cosmetics and therefore, not regulated by the TGA when they:
- are for personal or domestic use only
- claim only that they kill 99.9% of germs
- have no claims against viruses
- that contain only low-risk ingredients
Note: this website describes cosmetic sanitisers as MIRCO19’s Retail Range.
What are TGA regulated hand sanitisers?
Antibacterial hand hygiene products that require evaluation from the TGA and inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) are those that claim to kill specific organisms (e.g. E. coli or viruses), and/or are to be used in clinics or hospitals. These products are regulated as registered over the counter (OTC) medicines.
How long do you rub your hands together when using hand sanitiser?
Rub your hands together for about 15-30 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday To You song).
What is the alcohol content required for hand sanitisers to be effective?
Hand sanitisers need to have at least 60 percent alcohol to kill germs.
When do you need to use soap and water instead of hand sanitisers?
Hand sanitisers are not as effective on hands that are greasy or heavily soiled. It is best to use soap and water after handling food, playing sports, gardening, camping, fishing, or working on vehicles.
Do natural hand sanitisers work?
Research currently indicates that natural or herbal hand sanitisers are NOT effective at killing germs.
Does alcohol in hand sanitisers dry out my skin?
No, alcohol does not leach out the lipids in the skin as much as soap does. The lipids in the skin play an important role in maintaining the skin’s moisture. In addition, MICRO19 hand sanitisers contain emollients that help to moisturise your hands thus causing less dryness and irritation.
If I add alcohol to non-alcohol hand sanitiser, will this be better to prevent COVID-19?
No. Addition of alcohol to an existing non-alcohol hand sanitiser is unlikely to result in an effective product.
Is hand sanitiser dangerous for children?
For children under six years of age, hand sanitiser should be used with adult supervision. Always follow directions on the label. Hand sanitiser is dangerous when ingested by children. Drinking only a small amount of hand sanitiser can cause alcohol poisoning in children. However, there is no need to be concerned if your children eat with or lick their hands after using hand sanitiser. It is also important to keep the product out of the eyes. Important to store hand sanitizer out of reach and monitor children when they are using hand sanitiser.
What are denaturants and why are they added to hand sanitiser?
Denaturants are added to alcohol to make it less appealing to ingest. Denatured alcohol is used in hand sanitiser to deter children from unintentional ingestion – the denatured alcohol makes the hand sanitiser taste bad so children will not want to continue once they have had a taste.
Are alcohol-based hand sanitisers flammable?
Yes, alcohol-based hand sanitisers are flammable and should be kept away from fire or flames.
What is not effective, is 100 per cent alcohol.
Water is needed in the hand sanitiser to keep alcohol from evaporating too fast, allowing the virus to be drenched for longer. Water is also needed for the process that interferes with protein function.
Do hand sanitisers expire?
After a bottle of hand sanitiser is opened, the alcohol content will decrease as it evaporates. The usual expiry is 3 years. Hand sanitiser past its expiration date may still have some effectiveness because it still contains alcohol (the active ingredient). Even if its concentration has dropped below its original percentage, the product although less effective is not dangerous to use.
If a bottle hasn't been opened, less of the alcohol will have evaporated, so a freshly-opened bottle of hand-sanitiser that is past its expiration date will likely be more effective than a bottle that is expired and has already been opened.
Antibacterial wipes, are they effective?
Hand sanitiser actually kills germs and bacteria. A wet wipe may remove germs through mechanical means, but they do not kill germs, simply displace them. Displacement leaves behind live, active germs on the skin. In addition, particularly if the hands are not dried swiftly and completely after wiping, the germs are left in a warm, damp environment - the perfect conditions to multiply. In comparison, hand sanitiser actually kills germs, preventing them from replicating.
ROOM & SURFACE SPRAY
How to use MICRO19 Room and Surface Spray
Spray into the air to kill airborne germs around the room as often as needed to freshen up any space. No need to rinse, clean or wipe off surfaces.