Why Gas Pump Handles Are So Dirty and How to Stay Safe

The Dirtiness of Gas Pump Handles and Why You Need a Cover

Going to the gas station is an inevitable errand for most car owners. However, gas pump handles are teeming with germs and bacteria. In fact, studies have shown that gas pump handles can be even dirtier than public toilet seats!

This is alarming because when you grab a gas pump handle to refuel your car, all those germs can transfer directly onto your hands. If you then touch your face, mouth or food, you risk ingesting dangerous bacteria like E.coli or Salmonella.

How Dirty Are Gas Pump Handles?

In 2011, Kimberly-Clark Professional conducted a study to swab and analyze the germ content on everyday public surfaces. They tested items like shopping cart handles, public restroom surfaces, and yes...gas pump handles.

The results were shocking. Gas pump handles tested positive for a wide variety of illness-causing bacteria. Some strains detected include:

• Rhinovirus - causes the common cold
• Influenza A - causes seasonal flu
• E. coli - causes gastrointestinal illness
• Salmonella - causes food poisoning
• Staph aureus - causes skin infections

Researchers ranked gas pump handles as the third germiest surface out of all public items tested. Only shopping cart handles and bathroom flush handles ranked dirtier.

How Do Gas Pumps Get So Dirty?

There are a few reasons why gas pump handles accumulate so much bacteria and filth:

• They are outdoors and exposed to the elements, including dirt, rain, pollution, and bird/animal droppings.
• Hundreds of people touch them each day with unwashed hands.
• People often lean on them while pumping gas, adding body oils and sweat.
• Spills and drips of gas, oil, and other automotive fluids end up on handles.

With so many opportunities to collect germs, it's no wonder gas pump handles are a minefield of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Protect Yourself With a Gas Pump Cover

To avoid exposing yourself to the germ-ridden underside of gas pump handles, use a protective gas pump cover.

A gas pump cover slides over the handle and provides a clean barrier between your hand and the handle. This blocks contact with contaminants like bacteria, chemicals, and bodily fluids from previous users.

Look for gas pump covers made of antimicrobial materials that actively kill germs on contact. This gives an added layer of protection versus regular plastic covers.

Other Ways to Avoid Gas Pump Germs

In addition to using a gas pump cover, you can take other precautionary steps to avoid getting sick after pumping gas:

• Use disinfecting wipes provided at gas stations to wipe down handles before grabbing them.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after touching the pump.
• Don't touch your face, mouth, food, or personal items until after you've disinfected your hands.
• Use gloves while pumping gas and discard them afterward.
• Pay at the pump so you don't have to touch additional surfaces like keypads.

The Bottom Line

Gas pump handles are unavoidably dirty high-touch surfaces. But with some simple precautions like using a protective cover, you can avoid transferring dangerous germs from the pump to yourself.

Be mindful when fueling up and take steps to wash or sanitize your hands before eating, drinking, or touching your phone. A little caution can go a long way in preventing gas pump germs from making you sick!

FAQs

How do I use a gas pump cover?

Using a gas pump cover is easy. Simply slide the cover over the gas pump handle until it completely covers the surface you will grab. The cover acts as a protective barrier between your hands and the dirty pump handle.

Are gas pump covers reusable?

Yes, most gas pump covers are made from durable materials that allow them to be reused multiple times. However, you should replace the cover periodically or if it becomes overly dirty or worn out.

Do gas pump covers prevent all germs?

Gas pump covers provide an effective barrier to block most germs and bacteria from contacting your hands. However, no product can prevent 100% of germs. You should still wash your hands or use sanitizer after fueling up.

Where can I buy a gas pump cover?

You can find gas pump covers at many auto parts stores, gas stations, online retailers like Amazon, or directly from manufacturers. Look for covers made with antimicrobial materials for added germ protection.

Are gas pump covers worth it?

For a small investment, gas pump covers can greatly reduce your exposure to the myriad germs lurking on gas pump handles. If you frequently pump your own gas, a cover is worthwhile for peace of mind and better hand hygiene.