Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer for the Workshop, Garage, and Beyond

Whether you're elbow-deep in an engine rebuild, finishing up a marine project, or wrapping up a day in the shop, clean hands matter — not just for comfort, but for safety. Hand sanitizer is an essential part of any well-stocked garage or workshop cleaning kit. When soap and water aren't conveniently within reach, a fast-acting hand sanitizer helps reduce harmful bacteria and keep your workspace hygienic without slowing down the job.

Why Hand Sanitizer Belongs in Every Shop

Automotive and outdoor work puts hands in contact with oils, greases, fluids, and grime — and also with food, phones, and other people. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, typically formulated with ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, are proven to reduce the spread of bacteria and pathogens quickly and without the need for a sink. They're compact enough to mount near a workbench, tuck into a tool bag, or keep in a vehicle's center console, making them one of the most versatile hygiene products you can stock.

When shopping for hand sanitizer, consider the alcohol concentration (the CDC recommends at least 60% alcohol for effectiveness), formula type (gel vs. liquid), skin conditioning additives like aloe or glycerin that reduce dryness from repeated use, and container size — from pocket-sized 2 oz bottles to large refill jugs for high-traffic workspaces.

Top Brands in Hand Sanitizer

Permatex is a go-to name for professional-grade shop supplies, and their hand sanitizer lineup carries the same commitment to performance that mechanics have trusted for decades in gaskets, adhesives, and chemical products. Their formulas are designed with the working professional in mind.

GOJO is the company behind the iconic PURELL brand — widely recognized as one of the most trusted names in hand hygiene worldwide. GOJO's products are a staple in commercial and industrial settings, and their hand sanitizers are engineered for frequent, heavy-use environments.

Lucas Oil, best known for its high-performance lubricants and additives, expanded into hand sanitizer with an ethyl alcohol-based formula designed specifically for shop and on-the-go use. Lucas Oil's hand sanitizer is formulated with glycerin to help reduce the skin dryness that repeated alcohol use can cause — a practical touch for hands that already take a beating in the shop.

CRC Industries brings its deep background in industrial maintenance chemistry to the hand sanitizer category, offering products that meet the standards professionals expect from a brand known throughout the automotive and industrial maintenance world.

3M, a global leader in safety, personal protection, and cleaning solutions, rounds out the lineup with hand sanitizer products that reflect the company's rigorous quality and safety standards trusted by workers across countless industries.

Tips for Choosing the Right Hand Sanitizer

• Alcohol content: Look for formulas with at least 60–80% alcohol for effective germ reduction.
• Skin care additives: Glycerin or aloe vera help offset the drying effect of alcohol — important for hands that work hard every day.
• Container size: Small bottles are great for toolboxes and pockets; large refill jugs suit busy shops or garages with multiple users.
• Formula type: Gels cling to skin longer, while liquid formulas tend to spread quickly and dry fast — ideal for high-frequency use.
• Scent: Unscented or lightly scented formulas are often preferred in professional environments.