Let’s learn how to make hand sanitizer at home; we have two recipes and 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 follow if you shop and plan. Due to high demand, many of those items quickly go out of stock. You can probably find them at your local drugstore, but your priority is to remain safe.
How to Make Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer at home can be helpful when commercial products are not readily available. However, the effectiveness of homemade hand sanitizer depends on the ingredients used and their proportions.
Here’s a simple recipe for making hand sanitizer 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 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: To add fragrance, add 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: 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 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. When unavailable, it’s typically a convenient alternative to handwashing with soap and water. Hand sanitizers are especially useful when handwashing might be impractical or when a quick disinfection is needed.
Key characteristics of hand sanitizers include:
Alcohol Content: Alcohol, usually isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, is the active ingredient in most effective hand sanitizers. It kills various germs, including bacteria and viruses.
Antimicrobial Action: Hand sanitizers break down microorganisms’ outer protective layer, 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 water or towels. This makes them especially useful when traditional handwashing facilities are unavailable.
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 essential 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: Hand sanitizers are convenient but 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 sanitizers come in different forms, including liquid, gel, foam, and wipes. Some may contain moisturizing agents to prevent skin dryness.
Usage: To use hand sanitizer, 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 sanitizer evaporates and your hands are dry. This usually takes about 20 seconds.
Is It Safe?
DIY hand sanitizer recipes have been everywhere on the web lately, but are they safe? These recipes, including those above, are intended for professionals with the expertise and resources to make homemade hand sanitizers securely.
Homemade hand sanitizer is recommended when you cannot wash your hands for the foreseeable future.
Improper ingredients or proportions can lead to:
1. Lack of efficacy, meaning that the sanitizer 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 sanitizer is also not recommended for youngsters. Children are more susceptible to improper hand sanitizer usage, which can lead to a greater risk of injury.
How to Use Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer effectively involves a few simple steps to ensure proper coverage and germ-killing effectiveness. Here’s how to use hand sanitizer properly:
Apply the Right Amount
Use enough hand sanitizer 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 sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol. This concentration is necessary for effective germ-killing.
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 sanitizer stays in contact with your skin for the required time, avoid blowing on your hands or waving them in the air while the sanitizer is drying.
Avoid Touching
After applying hand sanitizer, refrain from touching surfaces, objects, or your face until your hands are parched. This helps prevent potential contamination.
When to Use Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are helpful when soap and water are unavailable, 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 sanitizers with an alcohol content of at least 60% effectively kill various germs, including many bacteria and some viruses. Here are some types of germs that hand sanitizer can help eliminate:
Bacteria
- Hand sanitizers 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 sanitizers can be effective against certain viruses, including:
- Influenza viruses (Flu)
- Common cold viruses
- Rhinoviruses
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Some coronaviruses (Note: While hand sanitizers can help against some coronaviruses, they might be less effective against specific 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 other microorganisms, such as fungi and certain parasites.
However, while hand sanitizers effectively reduce 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 sanitizers 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 essential for reducing the risk of infections.
Some Coronavirus Tips
The CDC recommends washing your hands regularly whether you’re stocked up on hand sanitizer or not.
Again, nothing beats washing your hands for at least 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 except for essential tri, such as to the grocery store or to seein’ 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 healthcare professionals need them. Avoid touching your face. You could transmit the virus from your hands into your mouth.
(FAQs)
Q1: Can I make my hand sanitizer at home?
A1: You can make hand sanitizer at home using the right ingredients and proportions. However, to ensure effectiveness, you must use the correct alcohol concentration and follow a reliable recipe.
Q2: What ingredients do I need to make hand sanitizer?
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 sanitizer?
A3: Mix 2/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol with 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel or glycerin. If desired, add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until they achieve a gel-like consistency.
Q4: Can I use vodka or other types of alcohol to make hand sanitizer?
A4: For effective sanitization, it’s recommended to use isopropyl alcohol or ethanol with at least 60% alcohol content. Vodka and other types of alcohol might not have a high enough alcohol content to kill germs effectively.
Q5: Can I use hand sanitizer as a substitute for handwashing?
A5: Hand sanitizers are helpful when soap and water are unavailable but 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 sanitizer?
A6: Store homemade hand sanitizer in a clean and sealed container. To maintain its effectiveness, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Q7: Should I take any safety precautions 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 sanitizer stronger?
A8: Maintaining the correct proportions in the recipe is essential to ensure the hand sanitizer is effective and safe. 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 unavailable. However, aloe vera gel is preferred for its soothing properties.
Q10: Is homemade hand sanitizer as effective as commercial products?
A10: Commercial hand sanitizers 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 sanitizer on young children?
A11: Commercial hand sanitizers are recommended for young children, as they are formulated with safety considerations for skin sensitivity. Consult a pediatrician before using homemade hand sanitizer on children.
Conclusion
Making hand sanitizer 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 sanitizer. Hand sanitizer 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 usually preferred.
Hand sanitizer is less effective at killing certain germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium diff. Unlike hand washing, it cannot physically remove harmful chemicals. People may incorrectly wipe off hand sanitizer before it’s dried, and a few are less effective because their alcohol concentrations are too low.
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