Adapted from Spafinder.com
Hand sanitizer is still flying off shelves as well as in high demand online.
“Our hands and fingertips carry the [COVID-19] infection, so if we use hand sanitizer that will pretty much control the disease,” Dr. Sanjay Maggirwar, a professor of microbiology at George Washington University, told CBS MoneyWatch.
Luckily, if you have some on hand, isopropyl alcohol that’s at least 60% alcohol by volume is about as effective as any hand sanitizer product when mixed with other ingredients, such as aloe vera for its soothing properties, and essential oils to mask the alcohol’s smell, says CBS News contributor Dr. David Agus. He also quelled concerns that using pure aloe vera might dilute the mixture, resulting in a formula that contains less than the CDC’s recommended 60% alcohol content. According to Agus, “It’s like mixing vodka with orange juice – it still gets you drunk.”
Aloe Vera & Rubbing Alcohol Hand Sanitizer Recipe
2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol (60% minimum alcohol content)
1/3 cup pure aloe vera
5-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Mix together in a bowl or measuring cup, and poor using a funnel into a 2-ounce empty spray or squeeze bottle, or a liquid soap container.
Be sure to label the container as well.
Staying Safe
Avoid shaking hands, rubbing your face and instances where you are touching an object like an elevator push button or doorknob without being able to clean your hands immediately. The idea is to keep your space as bacteria-free as possible. Exercise mindfulness. If you don’t feel well, stay home. In a public bathroom, wash your hands before exiting and use a paper towel to open the door. These little extra efforts are normally common sense but in these times, especially important.
Be well and stay healthy.