The most effective method for preventing the transmission of infectious illnesses is the time-honoured ritual of washing one's hands thoroughly and at regular intervals. However, what can you do if you don’t have access to a restroom?
If you don't have access to water and soap, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as an alternative. Don’t you worry! It's easy to produce your hand sanitizer at home using only three simple ingredients. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Alcohol, such as isopropyl or rubbing (99% alcohol volume)
Aloe Vera Gel
Use either lemon juice or essential oil like tea tree oil or lavender oil
The 2:1 alcohol-to-aloe vera ratio is the secret to a germ-free hand sanitizer. The alcohol concentration is maintained at roughly 60%, the threshold at which most bacteria are killed.
Ethanol (91-99% alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol (90-94%) in a 2 portion
Aloe vera gel, 1 portion
A couple of squirts of your favourite essential oil, like clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, etc.
Please follow these guidelines while creating your homemade hand sanitizer:
The hand sanitizer should be made in a sanitary environment. First, wipe clean the counters with a mild bleach solution.
Before creating the hand sanitizer, make sure your hands are clean.
When stirring, use a brand new spoon and whisk. Be sure to give these a good scrub before using them.
For best results, use pure alcohol in your hand sanitizer and avoid watering it down.
Completely combine all of the ingredients by stirring them together.
Please keep your hands away from the mixture until it is time to use it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source provides the following ingredients for a large-batch hand sanitizer formula:
Liquors containing either isopropyl or ethyl alcohol
hydrogen peroxide
glycerol
Ice-cold water that has been distilled or boiled to kill bacteria