What is an important storage consideration for alcohol-based hand rubs?

Alcohol-based hand rubs are highly flammable due to their alcohol content, and their effectiveness can be compromised if they are exposed to extreme temperatures. Storing them in high-temperature environments can cause the alcohol to evaporate or degrade, which reduces their efficacy as an antimicrobial agent. Therefore, it is essential to avoid high temperatures to ensure that the hand rubs maintain their intended properties and continue to be effective for infection control.

In contrast, keeping them away from light, while helpful, is not as critical as avoiding high temperatures. Storing them in a freezer can also render them ineffective because the low temperature can affect the consistency and performance of the product. As for bathroom storage, while it's a common practice, it may lead to exposure to high humidity and fluctuating temperatures, which could affect the integrity of the hand rubs over time. Thus, avoiding high temperatures remains the primary concern for their safe and effective storage.