The world is undergoing unprecedented circumstances today. Circumstances that we once saw in apocalyptic movies like quarantined cities, stories of piles of bodies and shortage of medical supplies. Part of it to the fear factor and sensationalism that is constantly being pitched on the social media and to some extent general media. All of this has led to people panicking out and hoarding grocery stocks, piling up rations at their homes. Among the worst-hit-commodities by this mass-level panic-purchase are toilet papers, hand sanitizers and hand washes.
The massive shortage of hand sanitizing gel, with pharmacies putting up signs that stocks are out, has led many to look for alternatives by making this gel at home, essential for proper hand disinfection and thus reducing the risk of contagion from coronavirus.
So, how to make homemade hand sanitizer gel? The internet, the primary source of inspiration for many, is rife with recipes and tutorials for making homemade hand sanitizer. However, for the hand sanitizing gel to be effective, it must be at least 60% alcohol.
Essential ingredients include isopropyl alcohol, aloe vera gel, water, or liquid soap. An aloe vera concentration of 30% is useful if you have sensitivity on the skin of the hands.
To make a homemade hand sanitizer gel, you need :
· A liter dosing container
· 1/3 Aloe vera gel
· 2/3 Isopropyl alcohol
· 8 or 10 drops of lavender essential oil (Optional - you can choose another).
· Spoon
· Funnel
· Bowl
Step by step to make a homemade disinfectant gel
The procedure is as simple as mixing and integrating all the ingredients in a bowl. Once this is done, we will use the funnel to fill the liter dosing container with the hand sanitizer gel.
It is important to remember that hand sanitizer is not a substitute for proper handwashing with soap and water. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests the use of homemade hand sanitizer in places where clean water is not available or where medical-grade disinfectant products are not available.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of this product also depends on its correct application. In this sense, the WHO recommends applying the disinfecting gel over the entire surface of the hand, rubbing palm with palm, placing the right hand on the left and interlacing the fingers. Do the same with the other hand. Finally, remember to massage your thumbs and wait for it to dry.
For best effectiveness, it is best to wash your hands with soap and water, especially if they are visibly dirty, and finish off by applying hand sanitizer gel.
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