TipidTip # 12 - Don't buy gel-based hand sanitizers.

Hand sanitizers were all the rage when I was in college. All of a sudden, a lot of brands came up with their own versions like Bench, Bath & Body Works, Safeguard, etc. But have you noticed that all of sudden too, they lost their must-buy status on your grocery list? They didn't remain to be a staple in your bag and you felt that the space can be allotted to a more deserving item -- like, let's say, a second lip balm.

I don't think that this meant we don't care anymore about germs, bacteria and all those sickness-inducing organisms. I think it boils down to a simple reason -- they don't work.

They don't kill 99.9% of the germs, they feel sticky and the stickiness attracts more dirt than when you didn't put it on. You can see the dirty stuff just rolling around your hand and you'd have to get a tissue to wipe them off. So it's back to square one.

Don't buy gel-based hand sanitizers. Instead, (TipidTips time!) buy an atomizer in Watson's or Health & Beauty or use your old cologne spritzer (like Victoria's Secret or Calgon) and make your own hand sanitizer that works. Pour inexpensive but effective alcohol (I prefer Green Cross) in the atomizer and spray. Voila! Clean hands is one cheap spritz away..or more if you're that OC.

The atomizer lengthens the life of the alcohol, you'll be amazed. You can also use it for other purposes. I spray it on a mosquito bite to take away the itchiness. Or you can use it when a tamad waitress fails to wipe clean the table you're about to occupy. Just make sure it doesn't go to your utensils or food. But I'm sure you know that already.