10 Creative Ways to Use Hand Sanitizer Beyond Hand Hygiene

Mistakes are inevitable. Occasionally, you might accidentally use a permanent marker on a whiteboard, leaving marks that a regular eraser can't remove. In such cases, reach for a bottle of hand sanitizer and a paper towel. Apply a small amount to the whiteboard and wipe it clean with the towel to eliminate all traces of the marker.

Ever peeled a sticker off a new item, like a sleek water bottle or glassware, only to find a stubborn, sticky film left behind? Don’t worry. A simple solution is to mix hand sanitizer with water and gently apply it to the affected area. This will quickly restore your item to a clean, residue-free state.

Struggling with the relentless itch of a mosquito bite? A dab of hand sanitizer can offer significant relief. According to Dr. Wu, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, the antiseptic properties of hand sanitizer can help prevent infections, while the mild stinging sensation it produces can distract you from the itch.

Forgot to apply deodorant before heading out? Don’t worry—hand sanitizer can come to the rescue. The alcohol in it eliminates odor-causing bacteria, keeping your underarms fresher than they’d be without it. While it won’t leave you smelling like lavender or ocean breeze, it’s a handy alternative in emergencies. (Just avoid using it on freshly shaved skin.)

Here’s a luxurious way to use your leftover pandemic supplies. As reported by the New York Times, hand sanitizer can effectively polish silver. The paper suggests cleaning your silver with alcohol-based, aloe-free hand sanitizer before polishing, as it can remove a substantial amount of tarnish. Simply apply a small amount to a cotton ball or pad, gently rub the silver, and then polish as usual.

When your hair looks greasy and you’re out of dry shampoo (or a shower), hand sanitizer can come to the rescue. Home Upward explains that the alcohol in hand sanitizer absorbs moisture, effectively removing excess oil from your hair. It also helps eliminate germs or bacteria. However, this isn’t a long-term solution, as frequent use of alcohol can harm your hair and scalp.

Hand sanitizer is surprisingly effective for cleaning makeup brushes, as its alcohol content kills bacteria that accumulate in the bristles. Makeup artist Tom Pecheux recommends this method; he shared with Into The Gloss, “for synthetic brushes, such as lip and concealer brushes, I apply hand sanitizer after every use.”

Fortunately, there’s a better option than simply yanking off a bandage. Similar to removing sticker residue, applying a small amount of hand sanitizer to a cotton swab and gently working it under the adhesive side of the bandage will loosen its grip. After a short wait, the bandage can be removed without any discomfort.

Keyboards and mice can quickly accumulate dirt and germs if not cleaned regularly. Hand sanitizer can be a handy solution—apply it to a paper towel or microfiber cloth and gently clean between the keys and surfaces to eliminate bacteria and remove dirt.

In a pinch without nail polish remover? Hand sanitizer can save the day. Its alcohol content acts as a solvent, breaking down nail polish for easier removal. Start by soaking your nails in warm water to soften them, then apply hand sanitizer to a cotton ball and gently rub your nails until the polish is gone. While it requires more effort than traditional removers, it’s a practical solution in a fashion crisis.