Can Waterless Hand Sanitizer Be Kept in the Car?
2 Answers
It is best not to keep it in the car. Although waterless hand sanitizer has excellent disinfecting and sterilizing effects and is gentle and non-irritating, storing it in the car is not safe. One reason is that most commercially available waterless hand sanitizers contain alcohol, typically at a concentration of 75%. Alcohol at this concentration is classified as flammable and explosive. Here are some precautions for using waterless hand sanitizer: Avoid accidental ingestion: Alcohol and benzalkonium chloride are the disinfecting components in waterless hand sanitizers. Accidental ingestion can have adverse effects on the body. Fire prevention: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be kept away from fire sources. Additionally, it is best not to store alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the car, as the high temperatures inside the car during hot summer days could potentially cause a fire. Furthermore, avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Use with caution for those with allergies: Some people are allergic to benzalkonium chloride, which can lead to skin allergies and contact dermatitis. Others may be allergic to alcohol, causing dry skin, itching, and subsequently triggering eczema or allergic dermatitis. Therefore, children and individuals prone to allergies should use waterless hand sanitizers with caution.
I've noticed many people keep hand sanitizer in their cars, especially during the pandemic, but this actually requires caution. I remember last summer when a bottle of sanitizer in my car nearly caused trouble - after parking in the sun at noon, the bottle had swollen and deformed, scaring me into throwing it away immediately. Since the main ingredient in such sanitizers is alcohol, it can easily evaporate into flammable gas when exposed to high temperatures. In a sealed car cabin, when the concentration exceeds safe levels, even static electricity could ignite it. Additionally, substandard products may decompose when heated, producing impurities that can harm your skin when used. If you must keep some in your car, I recommend choosing metal containers and storing them in the glove box or under seats - places away from direct sunlight. Never place them near the windshield. Also remember to keep them out of children's reach.
