How to Use Glo Germ (GloGerm): Gel, Oil, Powder and UV

See It In Action

Watch a GloGerm demonstration.

This short video shows exactly how GloGerm Gel reveals missed spots during handwashing — the same technique used in hospitals and schools worldwide.

View All Training Videos →

Who Uses GloGerm

Trusted across every sector.

From hospital wards to school classrooms, GloGerm delivers hands-on learning that sticks.

🏥

Hospitals & Healthcare

Hand hygiene compliance training for clinical staff and visitors

🎓

Schools & Education

Engaging germ-spread demonstrations for K–12 students and beyond

🍽️

Restaurants & Food Service

Cross-contamination awareness for kitchen teams and food handlers

🏢

Corporate & Workplace

Workplace wellness and infection control programs for any team size

Hand Washing Training

Handwashing with GloGerm Gel or Oil

01

Apply the gel or oil. After shaking the bottle of GloGerm Oil or Gel very well, place a small amount (about the size of a quarter) into the palm of one hand and spread over both hands just like you do when applying any hand lotion. Make sure to cover hands completely, especially under the nails, between fingers and around the cuticles. If you have any excess, wipe off with a paper towel. Oil may stain clothes so make sure not to let any oil make contact with clothing. The Gel is water-based and will not stain.

02

Check under UV light before washing. Once your hands are covered with the Oil or Gel, place hands under UV lamp to view any "glowing simulated germs" that are on hands before hand washing. The demonstration is more effective when done in a darkened room.

03

Wash your hands properly. Follow the proper method of hand wash procedure recommended by Health Canada using soap and warm water. The amount of time and effort required to remove the simulated germs will vary from individual to individual.

04

Reveal remaining contamination. After handwashing, place hands back under the UV lamp to check how many simulated germs still remain. Any areas still glowing show where your technique needs improvement.

Proper Training Made Intuitive

Cross-Contamination Demonstration with Powder

01

Set the scene. To demonstrate how easily germs are spread (and how important it is to follow procedure), secretly sprinkle the powdered "germs" on a surface, food, utensil, or toy and have your team or students handle them without knowing about the "contamination."

02

Let contamination spread naturally. Allow participants to go about their normal routine — touching surfaces, equipment, and each other. The invisible powder will transfer just like real pathogens do.

03

Reveal under UV light. Shine the UV lamp to show the remaining traces of powder glowing. Watch how far the "germs" have traveled through the group — the results are always eye-opening.

Surface Cleaning Training

Verify Your Cleaning Procedures

01

Apply powder to surfaces. Sprinkle GloGerm powder on counters, cutting boards, or any surfaces that require regular cleaning.

02

Clean using your regular method. Wipe the surfaces using your standard cleaning procedure and products.

03

Inspect with UV light. The UV lamp will show the remaining traces of powder glowing under the light, revealing any areas your cleaning missed. You may also use the UV lamp alone for checking restroom areas for cleanliness, as it will detect traces of urine without the need of using GloGerm powder.

Food Safety

Food Cross-Contamination Demonstration

01

Prepare the demonstration. Sprinkle some powder very lightly over a head of cabbage, lettuce, tomato or any fruit or vegetable to be processed by trainees in a way that the powder is not visible under ordinary light. Please note that the food used is to be discarded after the demonstration.

02

Process the food normally. Instruct the trainees to process the food in the same way they would normally do it, using normal procedures and kitchen utensils.

03

Reveal the contamination trail. Utilize the UV lamp to show how the "glowing simulated germs" are now all over their hands, cutting boards, knives etc. and how they spread unto other foods.

More guides

Running a hand hygiene audit in a hospital or care home? Use the hand hygiene audit tool and template. Teaching a class? Try the classroom activities, a Glo Germ science fair project, or teaching with plushies and Glo Germ.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Glo Germ work?

Glo Germ is a training tool that simulates germs and glows under UV light, so people can see where contamination goes. Gel and oil go on hands and powder goes on surfaces. After a handwash or a cleaning, a UV lamp shows the areas that were missed. See gel vs powder vs oil for which product suits which job.

How do you use Glo Germ?

For handwashing training, spread a small amount of gel or oil, about the size of a quarter, over both hands, check them under a UV lamp, wash with soap and warm water, then check again under the lamp. For a cross-contamination demonstration, sprinkle powder on a surface, let people go about their routine, then reveal where it spread under UV light. For a cleaning check, apply powder, clean as usual, then inspect with the lamp. The demonstration is more effective in a darkened room. Gel is the usual choice for hands, powder is for surfaces, and oil gives the brightest glow; see gel vs powder vs oil. Not sure which lamp to use? Read what UV light you need for Glo Germ.

Using GloGerm Products