Thanks to Conora Virus panic ( Covid-19) , and Vancouver being an international travel transit hub, we have been experiencing some intense hoarding behaviour. Hand sanitizer and face masks are sold out everywhere and popping up on local Buy and Sell Pages at ridiculous prices. Nevermind that face mask are ineffective outside of hospital settings. I though I would share a very good and effective Home Made High Strength Hand Sanitizer.
The key to this hand sanitizer being high strength, according to the CDC recommendations is the alcohol needs to be at least 60%. Rubbing alcohol is 70%, but, if you are really wanting to up the strength, perfumers alcohol is 90%. That is what I am using. One thing to be mindful of with overusing hand sanitizer is that if you have eczematic skin, this will cause a flare up. The ideal is washing your hands very well with soap and water, then drying well. Eczema flare ups means the integrity of your skin is compromised and that is not ideal for infection prevention. The scenario that hand sanitizer is best in is at school, on transit, at the doctors office or hospital or any public venue where an escape to the washroom may not be possible. Otherwise, make a point of washing your hands.
Home Made High Strength Hand Sanitizer Recipe
- 2\3 Cups of 90% Proof Rubbing Alcohol (Perfumers Alcohol). Sub with Isopropyl alcohol if you can’t source perfumers alcohol.
- 1/3 Cup of alo vera gel. You can dilute the solution with glycerin if you prefer a thinner gel for a spray, or straight alo vera for a gel consistency.
- 8-10 drops of essential oil. I’m using thieves oil which is what was used during the bubonic plague in France in 14th century. You can also add witch hazel and tea tree oil.
- Pinch of salt to emulsify the solution
Mix all of these items in a bowl, and use a funnel to empty it into spray bottles or whatever clean and sterilized lotion container you have handy.
The Best Immune Boosters To Help Fight Colds
Other items we are keeping on hand to fight the common cold, because more serious viral infections can happen when you are fighting the common cold, are Oregano Oil, Olive Leaf Extract, and Elderberry Syrup. We’ve also all gotten our Flu shots which we get every single year. Eating healthy, getting good sleep, avoiding stress are also very effective at keeping your immune system strong.
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The CDC On When Hand Sanitizers Work Best
Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Why? Many studies show that hand sanitizers work well in clinical settings like hospitals, where hands come into contact with germs but generally are not heavily soiled or greasy 16. Some data also show that hand sanitizers may work well against certain types of germs on slightly soiled hands 17,18. However, hands may become very greasy or soiled in community settings, such as after people handle food, play sports, work in the garden, or go camping or fishing. When hands are heavily soiled or greasy, hand sanitizers may not work well 3,7,16. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended in such circumstances.
3 comments
Thanks for the recipe! I recently bought a more natural hand sanitizer that contained lavender oil. I really liked that one and I was wondering what other oils would be good. I wash my hands constantly at school, but often have to follow up with hand sanitizer when we are outside. My school’s sanitizer has oregano oil in it. l’ll have to try making some. I’d be interested to try thieve’s oil.
How do you prevent this from clumping up?
You can add glycerine to it which is readily available at the pharmacy, a few drops of essential oil, a pinch of salt. These are all things that will help emulsify it.