Kvod HaRav,
Is it permitted on Shabbos to wash hands with antibacterial gel – the type that dries quickly?
Thank you,
Answer:
This product is generally very liquid, similar to liquid soap. It is pourable and has no form, hence the prohibition of Memareach does not apply.
Sources:
See Maamar Mordechai (303:10) and Shut Zera Emes (Yoreh De’ah 89), Mishnah Berurah (303:81) writes similarly. Shut Yabia Omer (Vol. 4, Orach Chaim 28). However with a liquidy substance all would agree it is permitted.
See also Shemiras Shabbos Chap. 14, nos. 48, 50. cg. Igros Moshe O:C 1:112,113 with regards to liquid soap and toothpaste on Shabbos.
Theoretically, it would depend on the level of viscosity of the product. Some of the antibacterial gels that I have seen, have a consistency like toothpaste, and don’t pour out of the bottle like liquid soap. That’s why they’re called “gels” and not “liquid”!
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