Hand sanitizers are a basic necessity, however, a lot of people did not realize how important they were until the recent Coronavirus Outbreak.
Upon realization that the only way to stay safe from Covid-19 is to maintain proper personal hygiene, malls and shops have fast run out of necessary sanitary supplies like soap, wipes, tissue paper, and even surgical masks.
The good news is that if you are not on lockdown yet, and still have the liberty of going around, it’s easy for you to get supplies to make your own hand sanitizer at home.
In this article, I have carefully drafted a tutorial on how you can make your own hand sanitizer in the comfort of your home and keep your family and friends safe from the spread of the Corona virus.
If you’re already on lockdown, and can’t get any of the items from the mall, there are a few precautions you can take at home, and I will also be sharing those in this article.
How to make your hand sanitizers in three simple steps.
1. Hand sanitizer with 75% alcohol
Ingredients
- Aloe vera gel
- Vodka or rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
- A tablespoon or Popsicle stick
- Container with cover
- Small bowl
Preparation steps
Step 1. The ratio for measuring Aloe vera gel and alcohol for making hand sanitizer is 3 parts to 1. That is 3 parts of alcohol to 1 part of aloe vera gel.
Step 2. Combine both ingredients in a clean bowl and stir with a Popsicle stick.
Step 3. Use!
Clearer details
The ratio for measuring rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel for hand sanitizer is 3:1. In other words, if you want to make a 100 ml bottle of hand sanitizer, you need to mix 75 ml of alcohol with 25 ml of aloe vera gel.
Once you have your ingredients measured, combine both in a bowl, and stir thoroughly. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes and observe the texture. If you are satisfied, pour directly into your container and cover. Your hand sanitizer is ready for use.
If you feel like adding some fragrance, you can include a few drops of your favorite essential oil. However, make sure to do a patch test before combining it with your mixture. The reason why a patch test is important is that certain person’s might react to some essential oils.
2. Hand sanitizer with 75% witch hazel
If, for any reason, you would instead not use alcohol for your hand sanitizer, you have the option of using witch hazel in the place of alcohol.
Ingredients
- Aloe vera gel
- Witch hazel
- Tablespoon or Popsicle stick
- Container with cover
- Small bowl
Step 1. The ratio for measuring aloe vera gel and witch hazel for making hand sanitizer is 3 parts to 1. That is 3 parts of witch hazel to 1 part of aloe vera gel.
Step 2. Combine both ingredients in a clean bowl and stir with a Popsicle stick.
Step 3. Use!
Clearer details
The same measurements applicable to hand sanitizer with alcohol also applies to hand sanitizer with witch hazel.
Some people react badly to alcohol-based products, so if you’re one of them, you can opt for witch hazel. If you feel like you want a specific fragrance for your hand sanitizer, you are free to add a few drops of essential oil.
However, as earlier mentioned, carry out a patch test before including any essential oil of your choice to your hand sanitizer.
Special tips for people already on lockdown
We understand that it can be difficult getting used to life indoors if you are already on lockdown. However, hopefully, things get better soon, and you return to your normal life.
Maintaining personal hygiene is imperative if you and your family must stay safe during these times. Ensure to encourage children to always wash their hands with soap and water. Proper handwashing takes no longer than the same time it will take you to recite the alphabet from A to Z or sing the nursery rhyme twinkle twinkle little star once.
Having your children sing twinkle twinkle little star or recite the alphabet from A to Z while they wash their hands will make it a fun activity for them.
We know it can be challenging to keep your hands off your face, especially if your self conscious like me. But in times like this, the difficult has to become the easiest thing to do.
Never touch your nostrils, your eyes, or any opening on your face without proper hand-washing. Make sure to clean all high-touch surfaces with bleach or methylated spirit if available.
If ordering food in like pizza or Chinese or anything else, make sure to sanitize your hands after collecting the package and also sanitize your hand before touching food.
Dealing with guests
If you have regular gatherings in your home like a book club or Saturday night with relatives or friends, this is the time to put an end to these activities.
Any Gathering that involves more than five people put each individual at risk. Normal activities can continue after the Coronavirus has been curbed. Do well to inform all guests that you may be expecting that the time isn’t right for visits.
Myths to dismiss
Will vitamin C protect me from COVID-19?
There have been rumors spreading around that consuming large amounts of vitamin C would help boost your immune system enough to protect you against the Coronavirus.
While it is true that vitamin C works well for regular flu, it is not recommended for the Coronavirus. Also, note that high doses of vitamin C can have dangerous side effects.
Is chloroquine the cure for COVID-19?
No, chloroquine is not the cure for COVID-19. While lots of vaccines are currently in testing to see which works for the virus, none has been found. This means that proper personal hygiene is the only way you can protect yourself.
Will surgical masks protect me from getting infected?
Wearing a surgical mask does little or nothing to protect you if you are not infected with the virus. However, for those showing symptoms, wearing a surgical mask is a way of preventing the spread of the virus from themselves to other people when they cough or sneeze.
If you feel like you are exhibiting, symptoms of COVID-19 always sneeze or cough into a tissue paper and disposed immediately after use.
Does melanin protect dark-skinned people from getting the virus?
This just has to be the funniest of all the myths going around about the COVID-19 virus. If Melanie had anything to do with protection, then most black people who already reported having the virus wouldn’t have it, would they? There you have it.
Self-Isolation
The center for disease control and prevention (CDC) have recommended that people who have visited countries with a recorded outbreak of the virus should self-isolate for at least 14 days (two weeks) to look out for symptoms.
If you want more information on self-isolation for COVID-19, then you can check here. Always rely on your local health centers for accurate information on how to protect yourself from the Coronavirus.
We promise to keep you updated from this end with recent happenings and developments related to COVID-19. Until we bring further updates your way, please stay safe.
We look forward to receiving comments and suggestions from you don’t hesitate to leave those below.
