You’re Probably Sanitizing Wrong, the CDC Says in 2025

You’re Probably Sanitizing Wrong, Here’s What the CDC Says in 2025

TX Health Watch – It’s been years since COVID first hit, but the hygiene habits we picked up during the pandemic are still with us at least, we think they are. The truth? According to a new 2025 report from the CDC, most people are still getting it wrong when it comes to one of the most basic forms of protection: sanitizing wrong,

Whether it’s your hands, your grocery cart, or your phone screen, there’s a high chance you’re not sanitizing correctly and that could leave you vulnerable to more than just COVID.

So what’s the problem? And more importantly, how can you fix it?

The Top Sanitizing Mistakes People Are Still Making

The CDC’s updated public health advisory includes several hygiene trends that may surprise you. Despite widespread access to sanitizing products, a large portion of the population is using them incorrectly or inconsistently. Here are the most common mistakes:

Using too little sanitizer
The CDC recommends using enough product to completely cover both hands and rub for at least 20 seconds. Most people apply a dime-sized amount and stop after 5 seconds—rendering it ineffective.

Using sanitizer with low alcohol content
Only sanitizers with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol effectively kill most viruses and bacteria. In 2025, many popular scented brands still don’t meet that standard.

Spraying and immediately wiping surfaces
When you spray a disinfectant on a surface and wipe it off right away, you remove it before it can work. The CDC now emphasizes dwell time letting the product sit on the surface for the full time listed on the label (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute).

Over-sanitizing electronics
Many are unknowingly damaging their devices or reducing sanitizer effectiveness by spraying alcohol directly onto phone screens or keyboards. The correct way? Use a microfiber cloth dampened with disinfectant not soaked.

What the CDC Recommends Now (2025 Update)

With new strains of respiratory viruses and antimicrobial resistance on the rise, the CDC has fine-tuned its guidance for both personal and environmental sanitizing. Here’s what’s new in 2025:

1. Focus on high-touch zones
Instead of obsessively sanitizing every surface, the CDC urges people to concentrate on door handles, faucet levers, elevator buttons, light switches, and personal devices.

2. Wash hands when possible don’t rely solely on sanitizer
Soap and water remain superior for removing dirt, grease, and certain pathogens. Sanitizer is a backup not a replacement.

3. Avoid “super-scented” products
Fragrance-heavy sanitizers are more likely to cause skin irritation and may reduce compliance over time. Unscented or lightly scented, high-alcohol solutions are preferred.

4. Be mindful of skin barrier health
Overuse of harsh sanitizers can cause microcracks in the skin, making it easier for germs to enter. Moisturize after sanitizing, especially for healthcare and service workers.

Are You Still at Risk?

Even if you’re vaccinated, boosted, and otherwise healthy, improper sanitizing can increase your risk of seasonal flu, RSV, and stomach bugs all of which are on the rise post-COVID as immunity patterns shift.

In fact, pediatricians across Texas have reported an uptick in preventable gastrointestinal infections linked to poor hygiene in school-aged children. Many of those kids use sanitizer daily but not correctly.

Final Thought: Clean Doesn’t Mean Complicated

Sanitizing isn’t about paranoia it’s about doing the simple things the right way. And while COVID may no longer dominate the headlines, proper hygiene still matters more than ever.

So before you squeeze another drop of gel into your hands, pause and ask yourself: Are you actually protected or just pretending to be?

With the CDC’s 2025 guidelines, you can clean with confidence and stay one step ahead of the next viral threat.