Regular hand sanitizer does not clean poop. Hand sanitizers are designed to kill germs on the hands or surface and do not have the same properties as a cleaning agent like soap.
Soap is necessary for properly cleaning up after coming into contact with feces, as it can break down oils, fats, and proteins that help make up poop.
So there you have it if you came for a quick short answer. Continue reading for more in-depth information about why hand sanitizer isn’t the best choice for cleaning poop and more.
What are the Ingredients In Hand Sanitizer?
Hand sanitizers usually contain either ethyl alcohol or isopropanol, which are antiseptic agents that can kill germs on contact.
Generally, these agents do not act as cleaning agents and therefore are not designed to clean up dirt or stains. The other ingredients in hand sanitizer, such as fragrances, colors, and preservatives, are purely cosmetic.
Reasons Hand Sanitizer Is Not Good at Cleaning Poop
It Has No Suffectants
To thoroughly remove poop stains from a surface, you need a cleaning agent with surfactants. These molecules are designed to break down oils and fats that makeup poop, making it easier to remove from the surface.
Hand sanitizer doesn’t contain any surfactants, so it’s not ideal enough for proper cleaning of poop. You could create a mess that would be difficult to clean up if you attempted to use hand sanitizer as a cleaning agent.
You Need a Solution To Remove Poop
Another thing to consider is that hand sanitizer comes in a gel or foam form. In order to properly clean up poop, you need a liquid solution.
Hand sanitizer won’t work as well if it is not dissolved first into a cleaning solution. This will make lifting up poop stains from a surface very difficult.
Better Alternatives To Cleaning Poop
Here are a few better alternatives to cleaning poop:
1. Soap and Water
This is the best method for cleaning up after coming into contact with poop. Soap helps break down oils, fats, and proteins that makeup poop, making it easier to remove from the surface.
Soaps like Dawn and Joy are great options for cleaning poop. These types of soaps contain surfactants, which are designed to break down these materials.
To use soap and water to clean up poop, it is best to use a cloth or sponge to create a soapy solution. Then, use the cloth or sponge to scrub away at the stain until it comes up.
2. Disposable Wipes
Disposable wipes can also be used for cleaning up after contact with poop. They typically contain mild detergents that can help remove the waste from a surface. Simply take a wipe and gently wipe away at the stain until it comes up.
Not only is this method convenient, but it’s also very hygienic since you can dispose of the used wipe immediately.
3. Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can be used to remove poop stains from a surface. It’s mild enough to use on most surfaces without damaging them, yet strong enough to cut through oils and fats in poop.
Simply mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water and use a sponge or cleaning cloth to apply the solution. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping up the mess.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is also a great natural cleaner that can be used to remove poop stains from surfaces. It does a great job of absorbing odors and cleaning up the mess.
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water and use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution to the stain.
Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping up the mess. This method is especially effective if the poop is watery on the surface.
5. Commercial Cleaners
Lastly, there are a variety of commercial cleaners on the market that can be used for cleaning up after contact with poop.
These products come in liquid or powder form and typically contain surfactants that help break down oils and fats in the waste.
Always read the instructions before using any type of commercial cleaner to ensure it is safe to use on the surface you are cleaning.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, hand sanitizer is not a good choice for cleaning up after contact with poop. It does not contain any surfactants or cleaning agents, so it will likely just make a mess instead of removing the stain.
It’s best to use soap and water, disposable wipes, or natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and other commercial cleaners for the job.
These methods are much more effective at removing poop stains from surfaces without causing any damage.