According to the CDC hand sanitizer is most effective at killing germs when it contains at least 60% alcohol. But what happens if you leave hand sanitizer in your car on a hot day? The CDC doesn’t recommend leaving hand sanitizer in your car because it can reach high temperatures that can reduce its efficacy.
If hand sanitizer is exposed to high temperatures it can start to break down. This process is called “thermal degradation.” The active ingredient in hand sanitizer alcohol begins to evaporate when it’s exposed to heat. This can make the hand sanitizer less effective at killing germs.
In one study researchers found that hand sanitizers exposed to high temperatures were less effective at killing bacteria than those that were stored at cooler temperatures. The researchers exposed hand sanitizers to four different temperatures: room temperature 40°C (104°F) 50°C (122°F) and 60°C (140°F). They found that the hand sanitizers stored at the higher temperatures were less effective at killing bacteria.
The researchers also found that the higher the temperature the more the active ingredient (alcohol) evaporated. At 60°C (140°F) more than half of the alcohol had evaporated. This means that there was less alcohol available to kill bacteria.
The CDC recommends storing hand sanitizer in a cool dry place. This will help keep it effective for longer. If you leave hand sanitizer in your car on a hot day it’s still effective but it might not be as effective as it could be.
Will hand sanitizer freeze in my car?
Hand sanitizer will not freeze in your car.
Can I store hand sanitizer in my car?
Yes you can store hand sanitizer in your car.
Is it bad to leave hand sanitizer in my car?
No it is not bad to leave hand sanitizer in your car.
Will hand sanitizer go bad if I leave it in my car?
Hand sanitizer will not go bad if you leave it in your car.
How long can I leave hand sanitizer in my car?
You can leave hand sanitizer in your car for as long as you need to.
Can hand sanitizer explode in my car?
No hand sanitizer will not explode in your car.
Is it safe to leave hand sanitizer in my car?
Yes it is safe to leave hand sanitizer in your car.
What happens if I leave hand sanitizer in my car?
Nothing will happen if you leave hand sanitizer in your car.
Should I leave hand sanitizer in my car?
This is a personal decision.
Some people do and some people don’t.
Is there a reason to leave hand sanitizer in my car?
Some people like to have hand sanitizer readily available in their car in case they need it.
Do I need to leave hand sanitizer in my car?
No you don’t need to leave hand sanitizer in your car.
Is hand sanitizer flammable?
Yes hand sanitizer is flammable.
Should I keep hand sanitizer in my car?
This is a personal decision.
Some people do and some people don’t.
Where is the best place to store hand sanitizer in my car?
The best place to store hand sanitizer in your car is in a cool dry place.
What are the dangers of leaving hand sanitizer in my car?
One of the dangers of leaving hand sanitizer in your car is that it is flammable and could start a fire.
