Making a hand sanitizer at home is incredibly simple and only requires 3 ingredients!
When to Use My DIY Hand Sanitizer?
According to the CDC, the best way to deal with COVID-19 is with soap and water, and in its absence, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
You only need to use your DIY Hand Sanitizer in the absence of both the above, because store-bought hand-sanitizers are made in sterile environment and are the safer option.
Your DIY Hand Sanitizer should be the last in your arsenal to be used.
One word of caution: Do not use the homemade hand sanitizer on children’s skin.
Your Shopping List
- Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent alcohol volume)
- Aloe Vera gel
- An essential oil, such as lavender oil, or lemon juice
How to Make the DIY Hand Sanitizer
Keeping the alcohol to aloe vera gel ratio 2:1 will ensure that the alcohol content is about 60 percent.
According to Jagdish Khubchandani, PhD, Associate Professor of Health Science at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, combine:
- 2 parts isopropyl alcohol or ethanol (91-99 percent alcohol)
- 1 part aloe vera gel
- A few drops of essential oil
- To mix, use a clean and sterile spoon and whisk
Some tips to take care of are:
- Wash your hands before making the sanitizer.
- Keep the environment clean and sterile by using diluted solution beforehand.
- Don’t touch the mixture with your hands until its ready to use.
- To use, rub it into your skin until your hands are dry.
- Do not use over greasy or visibly-dirty hands.
Good hygiene and social distancing are your primary defence against COVID-19. Stay safe!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.
References:
- Healthline, ‘How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer’, official website (accessed on 17th June, 2020)
