(HealthDay News) -- Hand sanitizers are a convenient method of cleaning hands and getting rid of germs, but it's important to use them properly.

The New York State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offers this advice:

  • Squirt some sanitizer into the palm of one hand, and rub hands together and thoroughly rub sanitizer into both hands.
  • Let hands air dry; don't wipe them.
  • Use a sanitizer even when your hands are not visibly dirty, such as when you have sneezed or coughed, or you have been near a sick person.
  • Follow all label instructions.