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One of the best protective measures against Coronavirus is proper handwashing. The World Health Organisation recommends washing your hands with soap and water as often as possible to remove dirt, all types of germs, and chemicals on hands. However, when there is no immediate access to soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol can be used.
Due to the high demand of hand sanitizers during this outbreak, it has been sold out in nearly every store. The prices of the few available ones have skyrocketed. If you need hand sanitizers and cannot get it, you can make one at home. It’s easy and requires very little time to make. Below are instructions from The Spruce on how to make hand sanitizers.
Ingredients you need
- ⅔ cup 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol
- ⅓ cup aloe vera gel (or glycerol)
- 8 to 10 drops of essential oil such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, etc. (optional)
Equipment
- Small or medium mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Bottle or container (for storage)
- Funnel (optional)
How to make a hand sanitizer
- Measure out the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. Do not dilute the alcohol
- Pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly with a spoon until well blended.
- Pour out the mixture into a bottle using a funnel and seal. Your hand sanitizer is ready!
This recipe makes a hand sanitizer of 60-70% alcohol content. Aloe Vera acts as a natural moisturizer and protects your hands from the harshness of the alcohol. You can use glycerol if you do not have aloe vera gel.
The World Health Organisation had provided a formula for large quantities of hand sanitizers. The formula which can be accessed here contains the following main ingredients:
- Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Glycerol
- Sterile distilled or boiled cold water