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Purell Uses

Scientists originally created Purell so medical professionals and food service workers could maintain hygienic practices even when hot water and soap weren't readily available. In 1997, the largely alcohol-based Purell became available to consumers on the general market, leading the surge of hand-sanitizing and antibacterial products. As of 2011, consumers use Purell for a variety of everyday needs, including and beyond keeping hands germ-free.

  1. Disinfect Surfaces

    • Purell applies the same 99.99 percent germ-killing disinfectant power to all surfaces. The balmy temperature of many offices creates a nurturing environment for germs on desks, phones and keyboards. Purell wet wipes eliminate contaminants at the office, on kitchen appliances and children's toys without the mess of gel. Purell sanitizing spray is designed to disinfect public facilities, such as airplane bathrooms or public computers.

    Remove Permanent Marker from White Boards

    • In a hectic moment, you might accidentally use a permanent marker on a white board rather than the dry-erase variety. Pour a nickel-sized amount of Purell into a soft cloth and gently scrub the white board in circular motions until the permanent marker is gone. Remove any remaining Purell residue on the white board with a soft tissue or clean cloth.

    Remove Tree Sap from Cloth

    • Sap can drip onto padded lawn chairs, kids' clothing and furniture next to the Christmas tree, leaving a thick, sticky and adhesive stain. The alcohol in Purell gel dries out the sap so you can scrape off the dried-rubbery residue. Massage a quarter-sized glob of Purell gel into the sap. Let the gel dry out the sap for no more than three minutes or the entire mixture could dry on the cloth. Use a nail file or your fingernail to scrape off the sap residue. Thoroughly rinse the affected area with cool water and a cloth to reduce the alcohol residue. Prevent unexpected discoloration by testing a small drop of Purell on an inconspicuous patch of cloth before using it to remove the sap.

    Disinfect Hands

    • Bacteria-laden hands can appear deceptively clean. According to a 2010 study by the American Society for Microbiology, 15 percent of people don't wash their hands after using a public restroom. Purell allows you to protect yourself and your loved ones, despite others' lack of hygiene. But germs don't stop at public restrooms; business meetings, food court utensils and door knobs are all frequently contaminated surfaces. According to the 2004 FedEx Outcome Study Executive Update: Interim Report, after FedEx encouraged its employees to use Purell sanitizer throughout the day, the result was a 20-percent drop in sick days.

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