Is it safe to leave hand sanitizer in your car?

Posted on October 14, 2020 in Our Community

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many drivers are sanitizing on the go and often wondering: is it safe to leave hand sanitizer in your car? We found out.

The Importance of the Expiration Date

Hand sanitizers are labeled with an expiration date. As the hand sanitizer sits in its container, the alcohol in it will evaporate— the expiration date estimates when the alcohol concentration will dip below 60% and the hand sanitizer will be less effective. Keeping a closed container in a car will not speed up this process but it's important to be mindful of this date.

How Heat Affects Hand Sanitizer

Overall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that hand sanitizer be stored between 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It's likely that hand sanitizer will still be effective at warmer or cooler temperatures, but the FDA says that you should try to avoid "excessive heat above 104°F."  At that temperature, the alcohol can evaporate faster making the expiration date arrive faster and the

So, is it safe to leave hand sanitizer in your car?

The short answer is: yes! As long as you're mindful of the expiration date and the temperature, the hand sanitizer should be a-okay.

At V&F Auto

V&F Auto Sales has been serving the Western Mass community since 1988. As a family-owned and operated business, we treat our customers like family. Whether you are using our free shuttle for car service, needing assistance getting a part on time, or searching for your next family vehicle, our team will go above and beyond to meet your needs. Call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.  For more details on our efforts to combat COVID-19, check out our letter to the community of Facebook.