With the outbreak of coronavirus across the globe, the need for soaps, hand wash and sanitizers have increased rapidly. Properly scrubbing your hands is one of the best ways to stop the spread of virus. But if you don’t have access to soap and clean water, or if you’re out, you should carry hand sanitizer to protect your health.
With the rapid demand of toiletries, another hot item is disappearing from store shelves i.e. hand sanitizer. Even online retailers like Amazon are having a hard time keeping the product in stock. The prices have also everyone appalled as they were being sold on ten times their original price.
Here is a few quick way to make sanitizer at home. It will save cost as well as can be used for a longer time.
- 2/3 cup Isopropyl alcohol [commonly known as rubbing alcohol]
- 1/3 cup Aloe vera gel
- 8-10 drops Tea tree oil
Mix isopropyl alcohol to aloe vera gel. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to give it a pleasant scent.
Don’t use any other types of alcohol (e.g., methanol, butanol), as they are toxic. Rubbing alcohol is easily available on pharmacies. You can also use thyme or clove oil as it contains antimicrobial properties. Other oils, such as lavender or chamomile can also be used as they help soothe your skin.
Moreover, make the hand sanitizer in a clean space. Wipe down countertop with a diluted bleach solution beforehand. Also, Wash your hands thoroughly before making the hand sanitizer.
To mix, use a clean spoon and whisk. Make sure the alcohol used for the hand sanitizer is not diluted.
Also Read: 5 Ways Pakistani Mothers Can Guarantee Their Child’s Health & Growth
Other natural ingredients to wash hands
Furthermore, there are other natural options for cleaning hands on the go. It is easily available in your kitchen and many of them you can make it yourself. It will not contain alcohol as well.
source: Liagriffith
Vinegar: Vinegar is an antibacterial agent that kills 99% of bacteria. It’s also nontoxic, nonpolluting, and edible. Keep in a small spray bottle in your bag. Spray on hands so the entire surface of hands is wet. Rub all over, then wipe or shake dry. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, use any essential oil after that.
Tea Tree Oil: 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and 1 teaspoon soap in 6 ounces water. Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory. Keep in a spray bottle and spray on hands, then shake dry.
Coconut Milk: Mix 1/2 cup of coconut milk with 1/2 cup water. Add 1 tbsp olive oil or almond oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil. Keep it in a bottle and use it as a liquid hand wash.
With these methods, why not just mix up an eco-friendly soap every few weeks. It saves money, time shopping and protects your health and your family’s health at the same time!
