4 ways Dr. Brite products can help ensure a safe Halloween this year

Halloween is supposed to be scary-not to mention fun and memorable. But the coronavirus has added a twist on the typical tricks and treats in 2020, where the frightening element is something you can’t see-but can undoubtedly catch, and worse, …

Halloween is supposed to be scary—not to mention fun and memorable.

But the coronavirus has added a twist on the typical tricks and treats in 2020, where the frightening element is something you can’t see—but can undoubtedly catch, and worse, spread.

Suppose you are planning to partake in Halloween festivities this year. In that case, whether it’s a small gathering or socially distanced trick-or-treating, the key to success is precautions.

This goes beyond masks and six feet of separation, too. Much of the Halloween safety will rely on making sure hands are clean, surfaces are sanitized, and then repeated.

To that, the types of products you choose are equally important, which is something we learned during our introduction to Dr. Brite.

The women-owned company—led by doctors and sisters, Pooneh and Paris—has stepped in at the right time with a lineup of products that are not only effective but also don’t come packed with harsh or harmful ingredients.

They are truly changing the way we practice personal cleanliness, so if you’re planning to ensure your family’s Halloween is safe (and memorable and fun), we’d recommend considering these four Dr. Brite products to get you started …

The Citrus Castile Soap will keep hands (and so much more) clean

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

Step One on Halloween night will be keeping those hands clean, and Dr. Brite’s Citrus Castile Soap is a perfect go-to option. The multipurpose, anti-microbial formula is cruelty-free and vegan. Plus, it uses 100% vegetable-based ingredients—zero harsh detergents or sulfates—to get the job done.

The multifunctional aspect? It’s a one-stop cleansing shop (which we loved), as the non-toxic formula works for the face, hair, body, dishes, hard surfaces, household items, mopping, and more!

See full details and shop here!

Trick-or-treating or at home, this Sanitizer Gel will work to keep hands sanitized and hydrated

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

One thing that we’ve learned in the past six months is that certain hand sanitizers can leave your hands feeling like you’ve been playing with sandpaper all day. The drying effect is a major deterrent.

But using a sanitizer is an important precaution, so we were delighted to see that Dr. Brite’s Hand Sanitizer takes some of the focus and places it on moisturizing, while also providing medical-grade Pure Isopropyl Alcohol that meets the CDC recommendations.

Two of the aspects that caught our eye—1) there is a version that comes on a keychain (perfect for the entire family, including young children, during Halloween night strolls!) and 2) each bottle sold means another is donated to a frontline or essential worker!

Check out both the Citrus and Unscented options and learn more about the all-natural ingredients here.

These Alcohol Wipes will be your answer to on-the-go and unexpected messes

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

If you’re heading out for a stroll with the trick-or-treaters, we’d recommend carrying Dr. Brite’s Alcohol Wipes the same as we’d remind you about the importance of reflective tape and using crosswalks.

An effective product that can handle on-the-go cleaning should be a must-have item during all days of the year—again, especially in the current environment. But being prepared for unexpected messes on Halloween is paramount.

We like Dr. Brite’s Alcohol Wipes because of the portability and the fact they go beyond the expected sticky hands and provide multipurpose cleaning. 

No bleaches, menthol or chlorine is a welcomed relief, too, and you’ll have confidence during these COVID-19 times that the wipes, like all Dr. Brite cleaning products, supply the same CDC-recommended Isopropyl Alcohol content.

Learn more about the Alcohol Wipes and find an option—Citrus, Eucalyptus, Unscented—that works best for you and your family.

The Multi-Purpose Spray will provide powerful cleaning before, during and after Halloween

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

We coined this product “The cleanup hitter” … whether it’s before, during or after Halloween, Dr. Brite’s Multi-Purpose Spray supplies a natural, non-toxic solution for cleaning hard surfaces (non-porous) where bacteria or odors are a concern.

Like the Alcohol Wipes, the versatile aspect complements the quality of the ingredients, making it an unmatched go-to cleaning product. And by versatile, we mean a true do-it-all: countertops, food preparation surfaces, floors, appliances, garbage cans, changing tables, high chairs, cribs, children’s toys, toilet seats, doorknobs, desks, pet habitats, and more.

Shop for your Halloween (and everyday) cleanup Multi-Purpose Spray here, and see how you can attain a clean, streak-free shine without the greasy residue!

Halloween 2021

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

One of the biggest issues that we’ve encountered—with a lot of products—is the expiration date. “Cost-effective” means more in 2020, for more families, so the last thing we want to deal with is making an additional purchase in six months because the half-used product has already expired.

That was a major bonus with Dr. Brite’s cleaning essentials. Besides being hospital grade—and cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- free, non-GMO, plus FDA registered to kill all labeled pathogens—we loved that the products all have an 18-month shelf life.

That makes planning for the year ahead—and yes, Halloween 2021—a lot easier!

Disclaimer: We recommend interesting products. If you purchase a product by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.

4 ways Dr. Brite products can help ensure a safe Halloween this year

4 ways Dr. Brite products can help ensure a safe Halloween this year

5 things to look for in hand sanitizer

With the recent surge in demand for hand sanitizer, you may have been forced to deviate from your usual go-to choice and try some new brands. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies hand sanitizer as an over-the-counter drug, …

With the recent surge in demand for hand sanitizer, you may have been forced to deviate from your usual go-to choice and try some new brands. 

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies hand sanitizer as an over-the-counter drug, available without a prescription. Hand sanitizer is regulated because it’s used as a key step in protecting yourself against the spread of germs and viruses. 

On April 27, 2020, the FDA reported that there were now an additional 1,500 manufacturers of hand sanitizer registered. With this many new manufacturers coming into the game, it’s reasonable to assume that some companies are simply trying to capitalize on the increased demand and are potentially cutting corners to create new products. 

Because hand sanitizer can be a lifesaving product, especially in today’s time, it should not be made cheaply or insufficiently. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to pay attention to your hand sanitizer’s ingredient list and make sure you’re choosing the best one. 

These are five things you should be looking for in a hand sanitizer.

Methanol

Methanol is something you DON’T want to see on the ingredient list of any hand sanitizer. Methanol is toxic alcohol, sometimes referred to as “wood alcohol.” It’s commonly used as rocket fuel and antifreeze. Methanol is also an ingredient used as feedstock (i.e., raw material to supply or fuel a machine or industrial process) in products like adhesives and foams. Despite its name, this is definitely not something meant for human ingestion. 

When absorbed through the skin, methanol can produce negative effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. The adverse effects of methanol are worsened if swallowed; seizures, blindness, damage to the nervous system, permanent blindness, and even death. 

In July of 2020, the FDA recalled several hand sanitization products that contained even trace amounts of methanol. The FDA urges consumers to check the ingredient list of sanitizers that they already have and dispose of any that contain this toxic ingredient. Going forward, they also highly recommend that consumers be cautious and always check the labels of hand sanitizers before purchasing. 

Discard any products that contain methanol as an ingredient, even in the lowest doses. 

1-Propanol

1-Propanol or 1-propyl alcohol is another alcohol found in some hand sanitizers and is also toxic for humans. It’s commonly used as a solvent or an ingredient in other solvents to create cleaning products. Swallowing 1-propanol can lead to decreased breathing and heart rate, lack of coordination and reflexes, hypotension, and in severe cases, death. When used in a hand sanitizer, it will likely irritate your skin and cause some type of reaction. 

It’s important to read labels of sanitization products before buying them. Look for the FDA approval symbol or the absence of ingredients such as 1-propanol or methanol. 

Ethyl Alcohol

Ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol or alcohol) is one of the only two types of alcohol acceptable for use in hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective for killing germs and bacteria. If ethyl alcohol is the only alcohol listed as an active ingredient, make sure it is at a level of at least 60%. 

Ethyl alcohol is safe when used as directed but can still be harmful and lead to alcohol poisoning if a person swallows multiple mouthfuls. Store your hand sanitizer out of reach of young children to avoid accidents. 

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (also known as isopropanol or 2-propanol) is the only other alcohol type that should be found in hand sanitizers. Some sanitizers use a combination of alcohols; if isopropyl is the only active ingredient listed, it should be at least 60%. 

Moisturizer

The high content of alcohol in hand sanitizers can cause the skin to become irritated and dry. With frequent usage, hands commonly become chapped. 

In the process of killing germs and bacteria, alcohol also has the effect of stripping away our skin’s natural oils; this is what leads to hands feeling uncomfortably dry and cracked. Some hand sanitizers are infused with natural moisturizers to help counter this. 

Look for sanitizers with natural moisturizers such as aloe vera or coconut oil. With something like hand sanitizer that can be harsh on the skin, you’ll want to be countering this by using all-natural products that will work to repair your skin at the same time. GreenGoo is a company that uses plant-based ingredients focused on maximum hydration, effectiveness, and comfort. The company’s Aloe Shea hand sanitizer is 70% ethyl alcohol, meaning you can safely rely on it to kill any germs or bacteria quickly and effectively. GreenGoo is also donating a portion of sales from their hand sanitizers to a different local charity every month for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Hand Sanitizer vs. Washing Your Hands

While using hand sanitizer is commonly thought of as interchangeable with traditional hand washing, there are important differences you should know.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that when the option is available, people should choose to wash their hands with soap and water instead of using hand sanitizer. This is because traditional hand washing can kill all kinds of germs, and while sanitizers can reduce the number of microbes on your hand, they can’t necessarily kill all of the germs.

Hand sanitizer is effective at removing germs after hands have been touching dirty surfaces. However, if hands are heavily soiled or greasy, like after playing sports or doing yard work, sanitizer may not be strong enough to kill all bacteria. With any heavy buildup of grease or dirt, try to wash your hands with soap and water instead of using sanitizer. 

Traditional handwashing is also favored if hands have come into contact with harmful chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals. It may be surprising, but soap and water will be more effective at removing chemicals than hand sanitizer.  

Did you know it’s possible to overuse hand sanitizer? Using alcohol-based sanitizers too often can result in germs becoming resistant to the formula. This means that using the sanitizer would no longer be as effective. Using hand sanitizer is a great part of your personal hygiene routine, but as with everything, moderation is best.

Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizer?

Non-alcohol sanitizers are sometimes preferred because they are just as efficient and avoid any health or safety concerns. Non-alcohol formulas are CDC approved and are considered safer than alcohol sanitizers for a few reasons:

  • Avoiding the risk of ingestion of alcohol for young children
  • No posed risk from flammability
  • Repeated use of a product containing alcohol is likely to lead to skin irritation 

The difference in alcohol vs. non-alcohol cleaners’ effectiveness is as small as 0.009%, making it practically dismissible. 

Why Do Some Hand Sanitizers Smell So Bad?

With the almost instantaneous spike in demand for hand sanitizers, several companies decided to start creating their own sanitizer to help close the demand gap and capitalize on this consumer need. 

If you recently used a sanitizer that smelled like stinky tequila or rotten food, it’s probably because it was made with denatured ethanol instead of industry-standard ethyl alcohol. Denatured ethanol is notably cheaper to produce, making it an appealing alternative for companies trying to break into this product sector. More relevant to the smell aspect, denatured ethanol lacks the carbon filtration that ethyl alcohol goes through; the filtration removes the unpleasant odor. To further add to the stink, these cheaper production processes usually entail a concoction of other, just as cheap, questionable chemicals. 

It’s best to stay away from low-quality hand sanitizers.

How to…

Wash your hands

  • Wet hands.
  • Lather hands with soap and rub them together for at least 20-30 seconds. Singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice is believed to be the perfect length of time for a thorough hand wash.
  • Be sure to rub the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and along your fingertips. 
  • Rinse hands under running water to remove all of the soap.
  • Either air dry or wipe hands dry with a clean towel.

Use hand sanitizer

  • Ensure the sanitizer you are using contains at least 60% alcohol and is free from methanol and 1-propanol.
  • Apply enough hand sanitizer to cover the entire surface area of your hands. Usually, a nickel or quarter-sized amount is appropriate. 
  • Rub hands together and be sure to rub the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and along your fingertips.
  • Do not wipe off excess sanitizer onto a surface – this could be counteractive to cleaning your hands and may hinder the sanitizer’s ability to kill germs. 

Follow these rules, use a high-quality hand sanitizer, and always practice good hygiene for a healthier, safer life!