Disclaimer: Please ensure you are aware of the dangers of alcohol and its incorrect usage. Please remember that alcohol, if handled incorrectly, could lead to skin burns or other issues.
With the advent of coronavirus, workplaces and individuals have taken to using hand sanitizer more frequently, and some have even made their own! It is surprisingly simple to make and requires only two ingredients: isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel. Essentials oils can also be added to lessen the smell of alcohol. Tea tree oil works well since it is a natural antimicrobial, and citrus oils tend to smell fresh and clean because they are disinfectants. Vitamin E makes another good choice because it is an excellent moisturizer. The most important thing when making a hand sanitizer at home is to add the right amount of alcohol because this is the sanitation agent, this ensures it will be just as effective as any sanitizer you buy from the shop.
Always ensure the mixture is at least 60% alcohol, as this is considered the lowest amount required to kill germs. If you mix it improperly, your sanitizer could be ineffective, and getting the ratio wrong could cause damage to the skin. The purity of Isopropyl alcohol should be at 99%. Since the aloe vera gel is added to thicken the mixture, you can adjust its quantity to suit your preferences. You can also use different quantities of essential oil so try out different combinations. Ensure you are using isopropyl alcohol which is 99% pure and makes up 60% of your hand sanitizer. Everything should be mixed well with no separation.
Thoroughly clean any tools you plan to use ahead of time, wipe down surfaces, and wash your hands.
Be sure not to touch the mixture until you intend to use it because this will spread germs. Mix two-thirds of a cup of isopropyl alcohol with one third aloe vera, making sure they are well blended. Add around five drops of essential oils and combine well, then decant the mixture into small bottles using a funnel. If you have some empty bottles from used products, this is a great way to re-use them as well as save some money.
Related Article: How To Make Your Own Chemical Free Deodorant From Home
The importance of hygiene has been recently highlighted with coronavirus pandemic, but hand sanitizers are good preventative measures against colds and flu, and carrying around a small bottle can be useful. However, traditional hand washing is still recommended whenever possible, especially after eating, using the bathroom, or touching potentially infected surfaces. Only when it is not possible to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer. While it is a good alternative when you are unable to wash your hands, nothing can replace the benefits of hot running water and soap.