Let’s go know How to make hand sanitizer at home, we have two recipes for you, along with links to find the ingredients. The first is one you’ll make with stuff you likely already have, so it’s effective in emergencies.
The second recipe is more complex but easy to form if you shop and plan before time. Another note: tons of those items quickly go out of stock due to high demand. There’s a higher chance of finding them at your local drugstore, but your priority is to remain safe.
How to Make Hand Sanitizer
Making hand sanitiser at home can be useful when commercial products are not readily available. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of homemade hand sanitiser depends on the ingredients used and their proportions. Here’s a simple recipe for making hand sanitiser following the guidelines from health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO):
Ingredients
1. 2/3 cup Isopropyl alcohol (99% alcohol content)
2. 1/3 cup Aloe vera gel (or glycerin)
3. Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Tools
1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk or spoon
3. Funnel
4. Empty plastic bottle or container for storage
Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace: Clean and disinfect your workspace and tools before starting.
Measure Alcohol: Measure 2/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol. Ensure that the alcohol content is at least 99% to ensure effective sanitizing.
Mix Aloe Vera Gel: Measure 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel or glycerin. Aloe vera gel helps moisturize the skin and counteracts the drying effect of alcohol. Mix it well with the isopropyl alcohol in a mixing bowl.
Add Essential Oils: If you want to add fragrance, you can include a few drops of essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus. Essential oils also have some antimicrobial properties. Mix thoroughly.
Check Consistency: The mixture should be well-blended and have a gel-like consistency. If it’s too thin, add more aloe vera gel.
Transfer to Container: Use a funnel to pour the mixture into an empty plastic bottle or container. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
Label the Container: Clearly label the container with “Hand Sanitizer” and include the alcohol percentage.
Usage: To use, apply a small amount (about a dime-sized portion) to the palm of one hand and rub your hands together until dry. This usually takes about 20 seconds.
Important Considerations
1. Use a clean and sanitized container to avoid contamination.
2. Do not dilute the alcohol with water or other substances, as this can reduce its effectiveness.
3. This homemade hand sanitizer is meant to be an alternative when commercial products are unavailable. Commercial hand sanitizers are regulated and tested for safety and effectiveness.
4. Proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still recommended as the best way to maintain hand hygiene.
What is Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a liquid or gel substance formulated to kill or inhibit the growth of germs, bacteria, and viruses on the skin. It’s typically used as a convenient alternative to handwashing with soap and water when soap and water are not readily available. Hand sanitizers are especially useful in situations where handwashing might be impractical or when a quick disinfection is needed.
Key characteristics of hand sanitisers include:
Alcohol Content: The active ingredient in most effective hand sanitisers is alcohol. Alcohol, usually isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, is known for its ability to kill a wide range of germs, including bacteria and many viruses.
Antimicrobial Action: Hand sanitizers work by breaking down the outer protective layer of microorganisms, disrupting their cell membranes, and rendering them non-functional. This helps reduce the risk of spreading infections.
Convenience: Hand sanitizers are easy to carry and can be used without the need for water or towels. This makes them especially useful in situations where traditional handwashing facilities are not available.
Hygiene and Infection Control: Hand sanitizers are commonly used in healthcare settings, food service industries, travel, and other situations where maintaining good hand hygiene is important for preventing the spread of diseases.
Alcohol Concentration: Effective hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol content. This concentration is crucial for their effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens.
Supplement to Handwashing: While hand sanitizers are convenient, they are not a substitute for proper handwashing with soap and water. Handwashing is still the most effective way to remove dirt, grime, and certain types of germs from hands.
Types: Hand sanitisers come in different forms, including liquid, gel, foam, and wipes. Some may contain moisturizing agents to prevent skin dryness.
Usage: To use hand sanitiser, you typically apply a small amount (usually a dime-sized portion) to the palm of one hand and then rub your hands together until the sanitiser evaporates and your hands are dry. This usually takes about 20 seconds.
Is It Safe?
DIY hand sanitizer recipes are everywhere on the web lately but are they safe? These recipes, including those above, are intended to be used by professionals with both the expertise and resources to securely make homemade hand sanitizers.
Homemade hand sanitizer is simply recommended in extreme situations when you’re unable to wash your hands for the foreseeable future.
Improper ingredients or proportions can lead to:
1. Lack of efficacy, meaning that the sanitiser won’t effectively eliminate the risk of exposure to some or all microbes
2. Skin irritation, injury, or burns
3. Exposure to hazardous chemicals via inhalation
Homemade hand sanitiser is additionally not recommended for youngsters. Children could also be more susceptible to improper hand sanitizer usage, which could lead to a greater risk of injury.
How to Use Hand Sanitizer
Using hand sanitizer effectively involves a few simple steps to ensure proper coverage and germ-killing effectiveness. Here’s how to use hand sanitiser properly:
Apply the Right Amount
Use enough hand sanitiser to cover all surfaces of your hands. A dime-sized amount is usually sufficient for most adults. Adjust the amount based on hand size and individual needs.
Check the Alcohol Content
Ensure that the hand sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol. This concentration is necessary for effective germ-killing.
Follow the Steps
Follow these steps to ensure thorough coverage:
Step 1: Dispense a dime-sized amount of hand sanitizer into the palm of one hand.
Step 2: Rub your hands together.
Step 3: Rub the sanitiser over all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Step 4: Continue rubbing your hands for about 20 seconds or until the hand sanitizer has dried. This duration is similar to the recommended time for effective handwashing.
Step 5: Avoid touching surfaces or other objects until your hands are completely dry.
Be Thorough
Pay special attention to areas that can easily be missed, such as the fingertips, nailbeds, and the webbing between fingers.
Minimize Evaporation
To ensure the sanitiser stays in contact with your skin for the required time, avoid blowing on your hands or waving them in the air while the sanitiser is drying.
Avoid Touching
After applying hand sanitiser, refrain from touching surfaces, objects, or your face until your hands are completely dry. This helps prevent potential contamination.
When to Use Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are useful in situations where soap and water are not available, such as when you’re out and about, traveling, or in public places. They can also be used as a supplementary measure after touching surfaces or objects in public spaces.
When to Use Soap and Water
Remember that hand sanitizers are not a substitute for proper handwashing. Use soap and water when your hands are visibly dirty, after using the restroom, before eating, and when you’ve been in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
What Germs Can Hand Sanitizer Kill?
Hand sanitisers with an alcohol content of at least 60% are effective at killing a wide range of germs, including many bacteria and some viruses. Here are some types of germs that hand sanitiser can help eliminate:
Bacteria
- Hand sanitisers can effectively kill many common bacteria found on hands, including:
- Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep)
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Salmonella
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Tuberculosis bacteria)
Viruses
- Hand sanitisers can be effective against certain viruses, including:
- Influenza viruses (Flu)
- Common cold viruses
- Rhinoviruses
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Some coronaviruses (Note: While hand sanitisers can help against some coronaviruses, they might be less effective against certain novel or highly contagious strains like SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Regular handwashing and other preventive measures are also crucial for protection.)
Other Microorganisms
Hand sanitizers can also be effective against various other microorganisms, such as fungi and certain parasites.
However, it’s important to note that while hand sanitizers are effective at reducing the number of germs on your hands, they might not eliminate all types of germs or remove certain substances like chemicals, heavy metals, or dirt. Additionally, some germs have protective structures that make them more resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers.
For the most comprehensive protection, it’s recommended to use hand sanitisers alongside regular handwashing with soap and water, especially in situations where your hands are visibly dirty or after using the restroom. Additionally, proper respiratory hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and practicing other preventive measures are important for reducing the risk of infections.
Some Coronavirus Tips
Whether you’re stocked abreast of hand sanitizer or not, the CDC recommends that you simply. Wash your hands regularly.
Again, nothing beats washing your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water. Hand sanitizer even the important, professionally made stuff should be used when you’re traveling or unable to scrub.
Stay at Home
Don’t leave the house apart from essential trips wish to the grocery or ascertain your doctor. This is also called sheltering in place.
Stay at least 6 feet far away from people. This is called social distancing. Keeping your distance makes it hard for the virus to leap from somebody else to you through respiratory droplets.
Avoid gatherings of individuals, which should be easy because you’re staying reception.
Wear a cloth face mask outside the house. The CDC now recommends everyone wear cloth face coverings when calling in public where you’ll be near people.
Do not buy or hoard medical-grade N95 masks. There is still a shortage of them, and they are needed by healthcare professionals. Avoid touching your face. You could transmit the virus from your hands into your mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Do it daily, especially if items or people leave or enter your home. Here’s our Covid-19 cleaning guide.
(FAQs)
Q1: Can I make my hand sanitiser at home?
A1: Yes, you can make hand sanitizer at home using the right ingredients and proportions. However, it’s important to ensure that you use the correct alcohol concentration and follow a reliable recipe to ensure effectiveness.
Q2: What ingredients do I need to make hand sanitiser?
A2: To make hand sanitizer, you’ll need isopropyl alcohol (99% alcohol content), aloe vera gel or glycerin, and optionally, essential oils for fragrance.
Q3: How do I mix the ingredients for homemade hand sanitiser?
A3: Mix 2/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol with 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel or glycerin. Add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance if desired. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until you achieve a gel-like consistency.
Q4: Can I use vodka or other types of alcohol to make hand sanitiser?
A4: It’s recommended to use isopropyl alcohol or ethanol with at least 60% alcohol content for effective sanitization. Vodka and other types of alcohol might not have a high enough alcohol content to kill germs effectively.
Q5: Can I use hand sanitiser as a substitute for handwashing?
A5: Hand sanitizers are useful when soap and water are not available, but they are not a substitute for proper handwashing. Handwashing with soap and water is still the most effective method to remove dirt, grime, and certain types of germs.
Q6: How do I store homemade hand sanitiser?
A6: Store homemade hand sanitiser in a clean and sealed container. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to maintain its effectiveness.
Q7: Are there any safety precautions I should take when making hand sanitizer?
A7: When making hand sanitizer, follow the recipe carefully and avoid any open flames or sparks, as alcohol is flammable. Also, be cautious when handling isopropyl alcohol, as it can be drying to the skin and can be harmful if ingested.
Q8: Can I add more alcohol to make the hand sanitiser stronger?
A8: It’s important to maintain the right proportions in the recipe to ensure the hand sanitiser is effective and safe to use. Adding excessive alcohol can make the solution too strong and potentially harmful.
Q9: Are there any alternatives to aloe vera gel for moisturization?
A9: Glycerin can be used as an alternative moisturizing agent if aloe vera gel is not available. However, aloe vera gel is preferred for its soothing properties.
Q10: Is homemade hand sanitizer as effective as commercial products?
A10: Commercial hand sanitisers are rigorously tested for effectiveness and safety. While homemade versions can be effective if made correctly, they may not undergo the same testing and quality control as commercial products.
Q11: Can I use homemade hand sanitiser on young children?
A11: It’s recommended to use commercial hand sanitisers on young children, as they are formulated with safety considerations for skin sensitivity. Consult a paediatrician before using homemade hand sanitiser on children.
Conclusion
Making hand sanitiser at home can be a viable solution when commercial products are not readily available. However, it’s crucial to follow accurate recipes and guidelines to ensure the effectiveness and safety of homemade hand sanitiser. Hand sanitiser is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to kill the vast majority of viruses/bacteria/microorganisms on the hands. In most settings, handwashing with soap and water is generally preferred.
Hand sanitiser is less effective at killing certain kinds of germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium diff, and unlike hand washing, it cannot physically remove harmful chemicals. People may incorrectly wipe off-hand sanitiser before it’s dried, and a few are less effective because their alcohol concentrations are too low.
