DIY Hand Sanitizer
It’s no news that the outbreak and recent spread of corona virus has led people into panic buying of groceries and foodstuffs. Of all the items in great demand, hand sanitizers take the lead, the recent surge in its price has done nothing to help matters.
When it comes to being safe against corona virus, nothing beats the good old washing of hands, but in cases where water and soap isn’t readily available, then a hand sanitizer is the next best option.
In case the recent hike in price and demand poses a problem in purchasing one as a lot of stores can’t keep up with the rise in demand, here are 3 simple steps to creating your own homemade hand sanitizer
MATERIALS
Luckily, making your own hand sanitizer is relatively easy and requires just 3 basic items,
- Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99% alcohol volume)
- Aloe vera gel (easily gotten from an aloe vera plant)
- An essential oil such as lavender or tea tree oil. lemon juice is also a good alternative.
It’s important to remember that the key to making an effective germ killing hand sanitizer is to ensure the alcohol percentage is greater than the aloe vera proportion. A 60% alcohol content is the minimum quantity required to kill germs.
You need ¾ cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol
¼ cup of aloe vera gel to counter the effect of the alcohol on the skin
10 drops of essential oil or lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
Pour all the ingredients into a clean transparent container
Mix with a spoon and the whisk to turn the contents into gel
Transfer the mix into a bottle and label it “hand sanitizer”
Easy-peasy right?
There are a few precautions to note of when making this and they are;
- Make sure your environment is very clean when making the sanitizer, wash all materials you’ll be using before you start the process. Ensure you thoroughly wash your hands and wipe the surfaces clean before starting.
- Make sure the alcohol is not diluted and do not touch the mixture with bare hands till its ready.
- Make sure the ingredients are in the right proportion as improper proportions can lead to skin irritation, injury or burn, lack of efficacy (meaning the sanitizer might not be effective in killing germs).
- Homemade sanitizer is not recommended for children as their skin maybe prone to improper usage and may lead to greater risk of injury.
- It is not advisable to use the sanitizer and go near fire as the alcohol might lead to a risk of getting burnt.
You can apply or spray the sanitizer on your palm then rub thoroughly for about 60seconds into the hand and in between the fingers till your hands are dry.
In conclusion, washing of hands should always be a priority and using a hand sanitizer should be a second option if soap and water is not readily available.
Stay safe
Stay clean
