With the spread of the coronavirus compounding the common cold and flu, germ prevention is more important than ever for your family. While you can take measures within your home to protect against harmful germs and bacteria, public places can be daunting, especially gas stations. Here’s what you should know about gas pumps and their overall cleanliness.

Are the Pumps Dirty?

Did you know nearly 40 million Americans visit gas stations every single day to fill their tank? Bacteria accumulates in these locations since there are minimal sanitation and several individuals touching credit card keypads and grabbing fuel pumps.

Approximately 71% of gas pumps are highly contaminated with germs associated with illness and disease. With such high numbers, these pumps are some of the dirtiest public surfaces you can touch along with public mailboxes, escalator rails, ATM buttons, parking meters, and crosswalk buttons.

How Can I Protect Myself When Filling Up?

The simplest way to avoid these bacteria hot spots is to stop yourself from touching them altogether. As part of your germ prevention routine, invest in protective wear, like latex gloves. Always put them on before exiting your vehicle at the gas station. This ensures you won’t touch the keypad or pump buttons and handle as you go about this task.

Once your tank is filled, replace the fuel cap and tuck your gloves in a plastic bag before reentering your car. Use hand sanitizer immediately, and throw the gloves to wash as soon as you get home.

If you want to get high-quality gloves to enhance your germ prevention routine at the gas station, contact the team at Sanitouch in Honolulu, HI. This locally owned retailer provides Oahu residents with protective, washable gloves at affordable prices. Call (808) 469-1944 to learn about their products and place your first order.