Tips for Making and Using DIY Hand Sanitizer
The Benenfits of Hand Sanitizer
Health organizations and experts all over the world have constantly been reminding people to wash their hands properly with soap to prevent COVID-19 infection, but hand sanitizers prove to have many benefits that make them a more appealing solution. The National Hand Hygiene Initiative has listed some of them as follows:
-It takes less than 30 seconds to clean your hands with a sanitizer, although it does not kill all the microbes like soap and water.
-Most hand sanitizer formulas are less irritating, and unlike soap and water, you do not need to use paper towels to complete the job.
-Also, there are places or situations where water and soap are not readily available such as meeting rooms.
In this article, we are going to take a look at how you can make your own hand sanitizer with readily available ingredients.
Alcohol is obviously the primary ingredient when it comes to making DIY sanitizer, as it’s pretty effective in killing various types of bacteria and viruses. However, the conventional vodka you may have at home may not be quite effective as an alcohol concentration of above 60% is required. Most alcoholic drinks usually have a 40 to 47 percent alcohol concentration, proving them ineffective. So, you’ll want to head out to the local pharmacy or hardware store and buy some isopropyl alcohol.
For Gel Sanitizer, You’ll Need:
-1-part aloe vera gel
-Three parts of isopropyl alcohol
-Several drops of tea tree oil
For Spray Sanitizer, You’ll Need:
-1 and 2/3 cups of isopropyl alcohol
-A tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide
-Two tablespoons of glycerin or glycerol
-1/4 cup of distilled or cool boiled water
Keep in mind that both iterations should be mixed using clean instruments, bottled, and left to sit for 3 days in order to kill any germs from the preparation process.
When & How Should You Use the Sanitizer?
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, you should use sanitizer as per the following:
-Only when water and soap are not readily available
-If the hands are soiled, use towelettes to get rid of the soil, prior to applying the sanitizer
-Ensure the hands are dry as wet hands will only dilute the hand rub.
-Apply enough to cover your fingers and the surface of your hands.
-Rub the hands together until the hand rub completely evaporates.
Situations to Wash Your Hands
It’s advisable that you wash your hands with water and soap not less than five times a day, including times when you wish to use hand rub. According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention in the United States, you should wash your hands with soap and water in the following situations:
Before, during and after meal preparation
-Before eating food
-After using the restroom, cleaning up kids who have used the bathroom and after changing diapers
-Before and after treating a wound
-After coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose
-After touching an animal including your home pet
-Before and after being in contact with a sick individual
-After touching garbage
-After being in contact with any touchpoints such as buttons, handles, doorknobs, etc.
-If your hands are dirty, soiled, or greasy.
With these tips, you should be able to increase your chances of staying safe from the virus.
