Hand Sanitizer Protection

[QuiteGood]

Some hand sanitizer mention they offer 4 hour protection. What does this mean?

After applying to hands does it kill any bacteria/virus that lands on your hands for the next 4 hours? Does it mean that you can go to the loo and not wash your hands if you have applied sanitizer beforehand?

I thought it was a substitute for washing hands if you really are unable to wash with soap & water. However the 4 hour protection thing, sounds like a magical bonus. Can anyone sciencey clarify?

I've since googled further and found products that claim to provide 24 hour protection. All out of stock obv. Can't get my head around it. Does this mean that post hand sanitising - any bacteria or nasty you touch are somehow zapped by a mysterious force field? I always assumed hand held did a similar but less good job to hand washing. The idea they continue to repel after application is a new one on me.

You're looking at the no-alcohol ones? There have been a few false claims.

I was reading this twitter.com/bugcounter/status/1243319180851580929?s=21 and wondered why he kept saying wash hands and apply hand gel instead of leaving it at 'wash hands'. Sort of fell down a rabbit hole.

This doesn't contain alcohol but claims 8 hour protection- I think against ecoli. www.boots.com/health-pharmacy/travel-health/first-aid/antibacterials/boots-anti-viral-hand-foam-200ml-10278908

personally I wouldn't believe claims of X hours, particularly if they are claiming 24. nothing is going to keep your hands sterile for that long (other than cutting them off, sealing in a plastic bag and shoving that in the freezer.
You just need to get into the habit of doing it frequently, and especially when you've done/been anything high risk.

It says UP TO 8 hours protection, that's probably in very specific circumstances.

It's like the adverts for fabric softeners which say 6 weeks freshness but then the small print says it's only if it's stored a certain way instead of being put on a bed. Or the deodorants which claim 48 hours but you wouldn't rely on if you're ding a gym session.