How to make DIY hand sanitiser

You're worried about the coronavirus spread, but you couldn't buy a hand sanitiser?

After the coronavirus cases, I went to the mart to buy a hand sanitiser for my kid, but it was out of stock already. Now, I wonder if the alcohol disinfectants can remove viruses too. They are for killing germs, not viruses. Aren't they?

Can antibacterial alcohol disinfectant stop viruses too?

Coronavirus has a structural outer skin. The reason why alcohol disinfectants used is that the skin is altered by alcohol, and it reduces the infection. When using alcohol disinfectants, use products between 60-70% alcohol. It is because products with less than 60% alcohol have less sterilising power, and when they are higher, the disinfectant effect is similar to 60%, and only the hands get dry. The level of disinfectant alcohol sold on the market is 70%.

Hand sanitiser vs. Washing hands

Think of the hand sanitiser as an alternative when you can't access to wash your hands. Washing hands with soap is not only about washing your hands with chemical processes, but it is also about physically washing it out. Also, don't forget to dry it completely after applying hand sanitiser. If you don't dry it completely, the infection-prevention effect can wear off.

Use soap to meticulously use running water for more than 30 seconds

When washing your hands to avoid virus infection, it is important to use soap in running water and wash them carefully for more than 30 seconds. The fact that soaking in water or rubbing it for a few seconds only helps to reproduce germs, viruses, and microbes. Be sure to wash your palm, back of the hand, between your fingers and even your fingernails under running water for more than 30 seconds.

DIY hand sanitiser

You couldn't buy a hand sanitiser yet? Why don't you make it with the following simple instruction and put it in your kid's school bag?

Preparation

• 15ml  Rubbing alcohol 
• 60ml  Aloe vera gel
• Demineralised water
• 10 drops Tea tree essential oil (optional)
• 100ml empty bottle, beaker, spoon

Instruction

• Combine aloe vera gel and alcohol in a measuring cup.
• Add about 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and mix. (Or any of anti-bacterial effect essential oils such as orange or lavender essential oil, etc.)
• Add demineralised water a little by little to match your desired viscosity.
• Fill the empty bottle and done!

Always use essential oils carefully when using them. If touched by children, use soap to wash them with water.

Make sure to check full ingredients

Triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent present in most antibacterial cleansers, interacts with chlorine in the water and forms chloroform gases, was found to be a hormone disruptor. The use of Triclosan has begun to phase out, but that doesn't guarantee the safety of the product. If you buy a commercial disinfectant product for your family's safety, be sure to check all the ingredients of the product.