Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Some avid whiskey drinkers consider paying secondary prices up to and over $600 for coveted bottles such as William Laure Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, and more recently, hand sanitizer. The novel Corona Virus, COVID-19, has shoppers clearing shelves of cleaning supplies, toilet paper, masks, and other needed supplies. The shortage of supplies has some people asking how they can create their own hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is a convenient, easily transported, way to help prevent the spread of germs when soap and water are not available (Healthline, 2020). If you are out of hand sanitizer and are unable to purchase any locally, you may want to create your own hand sanitizer at home.
Hand Sanitizer Recipe
(Healthline, 2020)
Ingredients / Supplies
- ¾ cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99%)
- ¼ cup of aloe vera gel (to help keep your hands moisturized and to counteract the harshness of the alcohol)
- Essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, clove, peppermint, or other essential oils)
- Glass, or another container, with a pouring spout
- A spoon and whisk
- Bottle or container to store the hand sanitizer
- Label and Marker
Directions
- Clean your countertops before you start
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Clean your utensils and containers before you begin
- Pour all ingredients into a bowl. Ideally a glass measuring container or a container with a spout
- Mix with a spoon and then beat with a whisk to turn the sanitizer into a gel
- Pour the hand sanitizer gel into the storage container you plan to use (do not touch the sanitizer with your hands until you are ready to use)
- Create and place a label on the bottle
How to use hand sanitizer
(Healthline, 2020; CDC, 2020)
Hand sanitizer should be rubbed into your skin until your hands are dry. If your hands are visibly soiled, you should wash your hands first with soap and water.
- Spray or place the sanitizer in the palm of one hand
- Rub your hands together. Make sure to cover the entire surface of your hands and fingers
- Continue rubbing until your hands are dry. It can take up to 60 seconds or longer for hand sanitizer to kill most germs. The CDC has an article about when and how to use hand sanitizer in community settings. Please see this article for additional information.
Sources:
Healthline: How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
CDC: Show Me the Science – When & how to use Hand Sanitizer in Community Settings
