With news of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hitting the U.S. many people have begun to stockpile their homes with supplies that will help them disinfect and prevent the spread of viruses. As the number of cases increases, many stores are running low on supplies such as paper towels, water, hand soap and hand sanitizer, which can leave you without the proper supplies and surrounded by germs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says hand-washing with soap and water is the most effective way to clean your hands. You can read about our hand-washing tips and tricks here. If soap and water are unavailable, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based (99%) isopropyl hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. If you’re unable to find hand sanitizer in stores or want to avoid the general public there is an effective homemade hand sanitizer recipe you can make to help prevent the spread of disease.
How to make hand sanitizer:
- ⅔ cup of rubbing alcohol
- ⅓ cup of aloe vera
- 5 -10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Directions:
Pour the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera in a bowl and stir until completely blended. The aloe vera will add thickness and moisturize your skin. Add in several drops of essential oil and blend. Essential oils will help mask the smell of alcohol. Our favorites are lavender or citrus-scented oils such as lemon or orange. Next, whisk all ingredients together and pour into a container. Make sure to label your hand sanitizer with an adhesive strip.
5. Sanitize your spray bottles and pour in your hand sanitizer. Spray some of your leftover alcohol into your bottles and let them sit until the alcohol has evaporated. Pour in your sanitizer.
6. Label your containers. You don’t want any accidents where you or anybody else ingests your newly made hand sanitizer. Take the time to label your bottles. Continue living.
