I know this is not a food-related post, and I was going to post something else. But as Coronavirus continues to spread. I feel compelled to help in some way. So, it’s said that giving someone something will last a moment, but teaching them something will last a lifetime. As the necessities needed to prevent coronavirus from spreading becomes scarce, we must prepare a backup plan. So, why not make some hand sanitizer at home, and share some with your neighbors to prevent the virus from spreading.
What Is The CoronaVirus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC for short, Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a virus that is spread by person to person contact. Mainly people that are within 6 feet of each other can spread the virus through coughing and sneezing. Washing your hands often is one of the ways to prevent the virus from spreading.
It is suggested by the CDC that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol will be just as effective.
What You Need To Make Hand Sanitizer At Home
There is hand sanitizer gel and spray, so I will be sharing how to make both. In my opinion, the spray is better for sensitive skin because it contains water. But having both on hand is always helpful. Here are the things you will need:
For The Hand Sanitizer Gel
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Tea Tree or Lemon Essential oils (Optional)
- Plastic Squeeze Bottles
For The Hand Sanitizer Spray
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Tea Tree or Lemon Essential oils (Optional)
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Vitamin E Oil
- Water
- Spray Bottle
For Both
- A Funnel
- Gloves
How To Make Hand Sanitizer
Before you start, make sure to put on gloves because alcohol can burn the skin. It is also flammable, this should not be made by kids. You’ll also need a large bowl and spoon that’s been washed with soap and water.
The Gel
- In a bowl place ¾ cup of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. You can get this at any drugstore but I usually have 91% Isopropyl Alcohol on hand. So most times I use it and add 2 tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide.
- Add ¼ cup of Aloe Vera Gel and mix. This is just a moisturizer to protect your hands from drying out from the alcohol. It is also what gives you the gel consistency that’s desired.
- Then put in 6 to 10 drops of Essential Oil. Disclaimer: If you are like me and have very sensitive skin I suggest skipping this step. But if you have to have some scent stick to just 3 drops.
- Give the Hand Sanitizer another mix. Then use the funnel to pour it in the plastic bottles.
- Now you have your very own homemade hand sanitizer gel!
The Spray
- In a bowl, add ¼ cup of water. Make sure you are using water that’s been boiled for 5 to 10 minutes. Even if it’s bottled water, boil it first.
- If needed allow water to cool, then add 2 tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide and stir
- To the Peroxide mixture, pour in ¾ of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Add in 2 to 3 teaspoons of Vitamin E Oil. This is another moisturizer to protect your skin. But it keeps the hand sanitizer in liquid form. If you are going to add essential oil just use 2 teaspoons of Vitamins E oil. You don’t want it too oily!
- Now add in 3 to 4 drops of essential oil. In my opinion, the spray doesn’t need as much fragrance as the gel, so that’s even better if you have sensitive skin.
- Give it a good stir before funneling it into a Spray Bottle
- Now spray the germs away!
You can also use the spray recipe to make your own hand sanitizer wipes. Just pour it over paper towels until they are slightly moist. I hope you found this post informative and helpful. Let’s all do our part to stop the Coronavirus from spreading. For more information please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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