We all know that it is hard to get hold of hand sanitiser at the moment so DIY recipes are very tempting. Unfortunately there are lots of recipes on the internet that will not provide the protection you need from Covid-19 or seasonal flu.
The NHS in the UK and CDC in the USA both recommend that hand sanitiser must contain at least 60% alcohol.
Spirits such as vodka are typically only 40% alcohol so have no place in an effective DIY sanitiser recipe.
To make an effective hand sanitizer at home you need isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) and the product needs to contain at least 90% pure isopropyl alcohol.
As pure alcohol can cause your skin to dry and crack you need to add some moisturing gel such as aloe vera to produce a usable product. A few drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil will mask the smell of the alcohol.
So the recipe is
70 mls of isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% strength)
30 mls of aloe vera gel
A few drops of lavender or tree tree oil.
Pour the aloe vera gel into the alcohol and mix well. Add the oil and mix again. Pour into a leak proof plastic container using a funnel. Label the product clearly and store out of the way of children and direct sunlight.
But remember
- Thorough hand washing with soap and hot water is more effective than any hand sanitiser.
- Hand sanitiser does not work properly if your hands are greasy or visibly dirty. If they are you need to find soap and water.
- Commercial hand sanitisers (if available) are preferred over DIY products but always check they have at least 60% alcohol. Many "anti-bacterial" products have little or no alcohol and are ineffective against Covid-19.
- Alcohol is extremely flammable. Keep your ingredients away from naked flames!
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