Sanitizer: meaning, definitions and examples

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sanitizer

[ˈsæn.ɪ.taɪ.zər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cleaning agent

A sanitizer is a substance or chemical that is used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces to prevent the spread of infections. It is commonly used in hospitals, restaurants, and homes to maintain hygiene.

Synonyms

antiseptic, cleanser, disinfectant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sanitizer	Ideal for eliminating germs on hands quickly, especially when soap and water are not available, commonly used in public places like schools, offices, and hospitals. Please use the hand sanitizer before entering the room She carries a small bottle of hand sanitizer in her purse
disinfectant	Used to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces to maintain hygiene, especially in settings such as hospitals, kitchens, and bathrooms. Has a strong chemical nature and can have negative connotations if overused. The floor was cleaned with a powerful disinfectant Use disinfectant wipes on door handles to prevent the spread of germs
antiseptic	Used for cleaning wounds to prevent infection. It is usually applied to skin, wounds, or mucous membranes. The nurse cleaned the cut with antiseptic Apply antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection
cleanser	Mainly used for cleaning skin, often as part of a skincare routine. Can also refer to products used for cleaning surfaces. She uses a facial cleanser every night The kitchen cleanser removes grease effectively

Examples of usage

Make sure to use a sanitizer on your hands before eating.
The restaurant staff regularly use a sanitizer to clean the tables and chairs.
It's important to carry a sanitizer with you when traveling to keep your hands clean.
Schools often provide sanitizers for students to use after using shared equipment.
During the pandemic, the demand for sanitizers increased significantly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from 'sanitize,' which means to clean something to protect it from germs.
It originally appeared in English in the early 20th century, related to hygiene practices.

Health

Using sanitizer can reduce the chances of infections, especially during outbreaks of illnesses.
Alcohol-based sanitizers must contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against most germs.

Cultural Impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use and demand for sanitizers skyrocketed worldwide.
Creative designs and scents for sanitizers have become trendy, turning hygiene products into fashion statements.

Science

Scientific studies show that hand sanitizers are effective, but washing hands with soap and water remains the best method for cleanliness.
Some bacteria can develop resistance to certain sanitizers, but most remain sensitive to alcohol-based hand rubs.

Production

The production of hand sanitizers saw a surge in response to global health crises, leading many distilleries to shift from making alcohol to producing sanitizers.
Sanitizers come in different forms, including gels, foams, and wipes, each with unique formulation for various uses.

Translations

Translations of the word "sanitizer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desinfetante

🇮🇳 सेनेटाइज़र

🇩🇪 Desinfektionsmittel

🇮🇩 pembersih

🇺🇦 дезінфікуючий засіб

🇵🇱 środek dezynfekujący

🇯🇵 消毒剤 (しょうどくざい)

🇫🇷 désinfectant

🇪🇸 desinfectante

🇹🇷 dezenfektan

🇰🇷 소독제 (소독제)

🇸🇦 معقم

🇨🇿 dezinfekční prostředek

🇸🇰 dezinfekčný prostriedok

🇨🇳 消毒剂 (xiāodú jì)

🇸🇮 razkužilo

🇮🇸 sótthreinsiefni

🇰🇿 дезинфекциялық құрал

🇬🇪 დეზინფექტორი

🇦🇿 dezinfeksiya vasitəsi

🇲🇽 desinfectante