By Dr. Yalda Shahriari, Co-Founder @NOWATA

If you’re like most moms, you’ve got a bottle of hand sanitizer stashed in every bag, cupholder, and stroller pocket. It’s the modern mom’s must-have, right?

But here’s something that might surprise you: hand sanitizer isn’t cleaning your child’s hands the way you think.

According to the CDC, sanitizer is great in a pinch—but it doesn’t remove dirt, food, or sticky residue. And when your little one’s just finished snack time or a messy playdate at the park? That’s exactly what’s on their hands.

Let’s unpack the truth—and introduce a better way to stay clean, no sink required.

1. Soap & Water: Still the Gold Standard

We all know soap and water is the best way to clean hands—and science backs it up. Soap lifts germs, oils, and dirt from the skin so they can be rinsed away. It’s effective against everything from viruses to allergens and chemical residues. (CDC)

But let’s be real:

Sinks aren’t always available. And when you’re out and about with kids, waiting in line for a crowded public bathroom just to wash hands? Not ideal.

2. Sanitizer: Helpful… But With Limitations

Yes, hand sanitizer has its place. But the CDC notes it only works on already clean-looking hands—it can’t cut through peanut butter, mud, sunscreen, or playground grime. (CDC)

And those colorful, fruit-scented gels? They often contain:

• Harsh alcohols that dry or irritate young skin

• Artificial fragrances and preservatives

• And sometimes, packaging that’s tempting enough for curious kids to taste—which is why the CDC tracks rising cases of accidental ingestion. (CDC) 

3. Wipes: A “Quick Fix” That Doesn't Always Fix

Disposable wipes might seem like a convenient solution, but they come with significant limitations:

• Designed for Surfaces, Not Skin: Many disinfectant wipes are formulated for cleaning hard, non-porous surfaces and are not intended for use on skin. Using them on skin can lead to irritation or other adverse effects.

• Chemical Residues: These wipes often contain chemicals like quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats") or alcohols, which can leave residues that may irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. (PDI International)

• Environmental Concerns: Most disposable wipes are made from synthetic materials that are not biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution and landfill waste. (U.S. FDA)

Quick? Sure. Clean? Not quite.

4. The Better Way: NOWATA Rinse-Free Soap

Meet NOWATA™—a rinse-free, plant-powered soap made for real life. Created by parents (that’s us!) who wanted the true clean of soap and water—just without the actual sink.

What makes it special:

• 🧼 It’s real soap—removes dirt, stickiness, and grime

• 🌱 100% plant-based and biodegradable

• 💧 No alcohol, no harsh chemicals, no synthetic fragrance

• 🤲 Safe for sensitive skin—even baby hands

• 🏕️ Perfect for on-the-go: car rides, hikes, parks, and playgrounds

Just rub it in like lotion, and you’ll see the mess peel away. No rinsing. No wiping. No waiting in line for a bathroom stall.

Why Moms Are Making the Switch

NOWATA isn’t a sanitizer. It’s not a wipe.
It’s a new category—a real, rinse-free soap that fits modern mom life.

• ✅ Actually cleans—no residue, no guessing

• 🧴 Compact and TSA-friendly

• 🧒 Safe for the whole family

• 💚 Better for the planet

• 💦 Conserves up to 2 gallons of water per use

The Bottom Line

You’re doing everything you can to keep your kids safe.
But if you’ve been relying on sanitizer and wipes, it’s time for something better.

NOWATA™ is the clean you’ve been waiting for.
No sink. No fuss. No compromise.

👉 Try it today at NOWATAClean.com—because sticky happens, and moms deserve a better solution.

References:

1. CDC. "About Handwashing." https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html

2. CDC. "Hand Sanitizer Guidelines and Recommendations." https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/hand-sanitizer.html

3. CDC. "Reported Adverse Health Effects in Children from Ingestion of Hand Sanitizers." https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6608a5.htm

4. BioResources. "The Rising Costs and Opportunities of Disposable Wet Wipes." https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/flushed-but-not-forgotten-the-rising-costs-and-opportunities-of-disposable-wet-wipes/