FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the active ingredient of the Germstar® solution?

The active ingredient is Isopropyl alcohol for Original Germstar®, and Ethyl alcohol for both the Germstar® Citrus and Noro solutions.


Will the alcohol cause a drying effect on my skin?

In the case of many of our competitor’s products, yes! The magic of the Germstar® solutions is that our 100% natural emollient complex will not only remoisturize the skin but makes your hands smoother with increased use!


What is the power source that operates the Germstar® Touchless Dispenser?

The dispenser requires four “D” type alkaline batteries, which usually last about two years, or 50,000 washes! The dispensers can be set up for a hard-wire installation upon request.


Is there a specific amount of solution dispensed with each activation?

Yes. The dispenser is preset at the factory to dispense approximately 1ml of solution, which coats the average adult-size hand.


Can the amount of solution dispensed be adjusted?

Yes. Depending on the application, the dispenser can be adjusted from 0.7ml (child’s dose) to 6ml (pre-surgical scrub).


What type of applications would require a volume adjustment?

For example, a 0.7ml volume would be appropriate in a day care facility or pre-school, where the size of a child’s hands would not require any more than that amount. If this were to be used as a surgical pre-scrub in a medical setting, it would require a 6ml dosage.


How much solution is there in each solution bag of Germstar®?

There is approximately one liter (1,000ml), for up to 1,400 activations, per solution bag when the unit is set at a 0.7ml dose.


Can I develop an allergic reaction to alcohol?

No. Alcohol is a non-allergenic product.


What types of studies are available regarding the efficacy of the Germstar® solution?

There are a number of studies, including both in vivo (on human skin) from Europe and Canada; and in vitro (in a Petri dish) from the United States. Detailed lab results are available upon request from Germstar® offices.


What are some of the bacteria and viruses that are killed by the Germstar® solution?

Although the list is quite long, a few of the more prominent ones would be MRSA, E-coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Staph, HIV, Hepatitis A & C, Norwalk virus, SARS, Noro virus and all common cold and flu-causing bacteria and viruses.


Are there recent US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations regarding hand hygiene?

Yes. The CDC hand hygiene guidelines recommend alcohol-based sanitizers to replace soap and water as the primary tool for hand disinfection in all health care settings, unless the hands are visibly soiled (blood, debris, or pertinacious matter).


Does the product have FDA approval?

The FDA does not perform approvals for this category of products, but rather the active ingredient within a product. Isopropyl and Ethyl alcohol were FDA-approved long ago. Our manufacturing quality processes are subjected to FDA inspections and standards.


Is there any residue left on the skin after using Germstar®?

No. Unlike the alcohol based gel products, the emollient penetrates deep into the pores, totally eliminating any negative, sticky residue on the surface of the skin.


What is the difference between Germstar® and gel-based sanitizers?

Germstar® is a premium quality, hospital-grade solution, which has a water-like consistency for a superior rinse, surface coating and skin penetration effect, leaving no sticky residue. Gel-based sanitizers are common, drug store products which employ thick gel as their base. The gel itself can interfere with the alcohol/germ contact, reducing the killing efficacy and leaving the hands with sticky residue. Further, the long contact time in the case of gels and anti-bacterial soaps may allow germs to develop a resistance against these products.


What kind of warranty does the dispenser have?

There is a two-year limited warranty. Since the system is based on gravity dispensing, there are no moving parts in the dispenser which push or squeeze the solution out, such as our competitor’s dispensers. Our plunger is housed inside the solution bag; each time you replace a solution bag, you change the only moving part in the system.


Does Germstar® have a shelf life?

Yes. Each Germstar® solution has a shelf life of 24 months.


How does the cost of Germstar® compare to the standard soap & water hand wash?

The standard hand wash will range between 10 and 20 cents per wash, depending on the cost of all components required (hot water, soap, paper towels and time). The lack of similar components needed when using Germstar® reduces the cost to between one and two cents per wash, for a more effective and true sanitizing hand wash.


Most hand sanitizers claim a 99.99% germ killing effectiveness; does that make them all equally effective?

No. Labeling laws do not yet require sanitizer manufacturers to define their effectiveness, except in a very broad and general way. Therefore, any product, which contains alcohol as an ingredient, can make the 99.99% claim. The truth is, there are huge variables which determine the true killing efficacy such as: solution contact time, effectiveness of coating the hand surface, evaporation time, type of alcohol, effects of non-alcohol ingredients on killing power, lab tests in vitro (test tube) vs. in vivo (on live skin). Different microorganisms/viruses respond differently to various hand sanitizers with regard to the speed and efficiency that they can be killed.


HAND SANITIZERS ARE NOT ALL CREATED EQUAL!

Germstar® solutions are designed at the molecular level to kill a broad range of microorganisms quickly and effectively, while keeping hands moisturized and protected. Our Germstar® Noro solution is designed to kill the highly contagious and tough Noro Virus (stomach flu) in under 20 seconds - which is even faster than the natural evaporation time of the alcohol! The old expression “you get what you pay for” also applies to hand sanitizers! For a few extra pennies, you can have a surgical quality wash with Germstar®.


How difficult is it to maintain a Germstar® Touchless Dispenser?

It is easy! Change batteries every two years, or after approximately 50,000 washes, and change the refill pouch when the last drop is gone. Dosage levels are preset at the factory, but can be easily adjusted with the turn of a screw. This website shows how to perform these simple tasks under the support tab.


Will I really be healthier by using Germstar®?

As we say, use Germstar® – BE WELL! There are never guarantees against getting sick. Since 80% of infectious diseases (colds, flu’s, viruses) come from tactile exposure, the more germ-free the hands, the lower the probability of bringing these microorganisms into the body. Some of our customers have reported dramatic declines in the frequency of annual colds, flu’s and viruses. Hand sanitizing with Germstar® is one of a number of things you can do to lower your risk.


Is Germstar® safe and effective for children?

Yes, most children learn quickly when shown by an adult how to properly sanitize their hands. Like all alcohol-based products, Germstar® should only be used by children old enough to learn the proper usage and keep the solution out of their mouth. Our products are used widely in daycare and elementary school settings.


Who are the biggest consumers of Germstar®?

We are widely used in the medical and dental fields, and the cruise line industry to protect the health of ship’s passengers. Our popularity has created demands in many other places such as corporate offices (pandemic plans), government agencies (police, fire, EMT, correctional facilities), fitness centers, schools, restaurants, hotels, businesses and private homes.


How many washes will I get from the 2-oz Bottle of Germstar®?

The 2-oz Germstar®, or “Germstar®-to-Go” will yield up to 400 sprays per bottle. It is very practical for a purse, back pack or glove compartment to provide sanitation wherever you go!


Is the touchless soap dispenser the same as the hand sanitizer dispenser?

Yes, although the amber-colored dome will say “extra mild soap” on its surface to identify the product inside. Functionally, they operate in the same manner.


What are the options for mounting the dispenser?

The unit can be wall-mounted with the provided bracket and hardware, set on a small table stand or on a large floor stand (see photos of these products on this website).


Can you eliminate the alcohol odor of Germstar®?

Remember: the alcohol is the active ingredient, so when you detect it, the killing effect is taking place. We do have a solution called Germstar® Citrus, which is formulated to virtually eliminate the alcohol odor during use if preferred. Read more about our solutions on this website.