Natural Hand Sanitizer That is Safe for Children
One challenge of working in a rural school is the well water! About two months ago, my school failed its safe drinking water test. While we awaited for a new water tank, UV filter, etc., we became dependent upon hand sanitizer and wipes to keep the children’s hands clean. Most commercial hand sanitizers contain a large amount of alcohol, which can cause accidental alcohol poisoning or intoxication in children, besides these products are unpleasant to smell. Since my son was in the hospital in August, I have carried around EO Hand Sanitizer in my purse. Although this product is made with organic lavender and smells wonderful, it leaves a film on my hands that I can’t stand. Recently, I discovered CleanWell Hand Sanitizer and Wipes.
CleanWell products are all natural and kill 99.99% of germs naturally with a combination of plant oils called “Ingenium”. The active ingredient on the labels of both the CleanWell Hand Sanitizer and Wipes is thyme oil. The company was founded by a concerned father whose son was born with an immune system disorder. CleanWell Sanitizer is a spray, which mists a light layer of the product on your skin. There is no strange residue left on your hands, and it leaves your skin soft. My son, who has super sensitive skin, has not had any negative reactions to CleanWell products. Of course, CleanWell’s products are not tested on animals. The Hand Wipes are strong and large, and in fact, I think you could clean several children’s hands with them before tossing them. You can read CleanWell’s excellent blog by clicking here.
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I used to question the need for hand sanitizer and worried that the current craze to kill germs was creating super bugs. Although this is a valid concern, there are times when hand sanitizer and/or wipes are useful. For instance, when eating lunch on the beach or after a hike in the woods when your child has been picking up critters and mushrooms, hand sanitizing is a must! I also sanitize my children’s hands after we leave the doctor’s office, to be sure they didn’t pick up any germs on their way out. Another useful time for hand sanitizing is on long road trips. Gas station bathrooms are scary places, and a few sprays of CleanWell Hand Sanitizer gives this mother some peace of mind. Although hand sanitizers will never replace good old fashioned hand washing, CleanWell products are the best substitute I have found when a sink and soap are not available.
I also use this hand sanitizer, and it works wonderfully.
Be careful with these products. They only kill germs for 15 seconds after use. There’s another eco-friendly hand sanitizer out there called SkinWear that does the same thing but protects your hands from germs for up to 8 hours after use. Give it a shot. It’s totally safe for kids as well.
I really want to try out the Clean Well products after reading everyone’s comments and the Clean Well website. Just as an FYI, Method soap products are by no means chemical free or natural. In fact they contain the chemical propylene glycol which is found in many soaps and other products people use on a daily basis. Be careful of the term “Natural” because it is very misleading. Propylene glycol is a toxic chemical. The FDA states that propylene glycol is “generally recognized as safe.” Doesn’t sound too convincing, does it? lol. Another company to avoid is Tom’s.