Due to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, most retailers can’t keep up with the demand

for hand sanitizer. Hence we are looking at ways to make an effective sanitizer at home.

The appeal of killing “99.9% of germs” isn’t so pleasing when you have a family of small children
or old-age, and illness for one usually means illness for all plus the germs left from 0.01% are
usually the more stronger and drug resistant and hence are most dangerous. Still, it’s helpful to
understand some reasons why the antibacterial label popping up on all kinds of soaps, wipes,
and cleaners might not be the solution it seems to be.

 Reason #1: Regular hand washing might be just as effective and should be a first line of
defense. Recent reports show that washing with warm water and soap for at least 30
seconds is as effective as antibacterial soaps and sanitizers. They still have their place but
make sure to wash hands as well!
 Reason #2: It may be true that antibacterial products kill 99.9% of germs, but that .1% is
the most potentially harmful (since it can resist antibacterial agents). This small percentage
that survives then breeds and passes on its antibiotic resistance to its offspring, creating
lines of “super bugs” that resist antibiotic use. This may be one factor in the dramatic
increase in strains like MRSA.
 Reason #3: Triclosan, the chemical in most antibacterial soaps has been shown to interact
with chlorine in the water to form chloroform gas. On top of that, it has been shown to be
a hormone disruptor, especially in children. I’m glad it’s been phased out from so many
products, but I’m skeptical it solves the issue.
 Reason #4: Some evidence shows that kids who grow up in an overly sterile environment
have higher rates of allergies and asthma than kids who don’t use antibacterial products as
much. Exposure to different types of bacteria, especially early in life, helps kids’ immune
systems to develop.

For a larger batch of hand sanitizer, the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source has a
formula for a hand sanitizer that uses below :
 isopropyl alcohol or ethanol
 hydrogen peroxide
 glycerol
 sterile distilled or boiled cold water

Making of home-made effective Sanitizer:

While the above is good for large-batch or mass-production we are looking at solution to have
effective sanitizers made at home.
Making your own hand sanitizer is easy to do and only requires a few ingredients:
 isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent alcohol volume)
 aloe vera gel
 an essential oil, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, or you can use lemon juice instead

The key to making an effective, germ-busting hand sanitizer is to stick to a 2:1 proportion of
alcohol to aloe vera. This keeps the alcohol content around 60 percent. This is the minimum
amount needed to kill most germs, according to the CDC.

What you’ll need:

 3/4 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent)
 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel (to help keep your hands smooth and to counteract the harshness of
alcohol)
 10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender oil, or you can use lemon juice instead

Directions:
 Pour all ingredients into a bowl, ideally one with a pouring spout like a glass measuring
container.
 Mix with a spoon and then beat with a whisk to turn the sanitizer into a gel.
 Pour the ingredients into an empty bottle for easy use, and label it “hand sanitizer.”

Stronger Hand Sanitizer Recipe

For a stronger hand sanitizer that performs like commercial versions (without the triclosan), try
this recipe. If you work in a hospital, this might be a good one for your personal use. I would not
use this recipe on kids!

Ingredients

 1 TBSP rubbing alcohol

 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)
 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
 20 drops Germ Destroyer oil
 1 TBSP distilled water or colloidal silver/ionic silver for extra antibacterial power
 other essential oils (just for scent)
Instructions

1. To make, mix aloe vera gel, optional glycerin, and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl.
2. Add cinnamon essential oil and tea tree oil along with a drop or two of any other oils you
want to add for scent. Lemongrass, orange, lavender, and peppermint are good choices.
3. Mix well and add about 1 tablespoon of distilled water (or colloidal/ionic silver) to thin to
desired consistency.
4. Use a small funnel or medicine dropper to transfer hand sanitizer into spray or pump type
bottles. This can also be stored in small silicone tubes for use on the go.
5. Use as you would any other type of hand sanitizer.

Strongest Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe (5 Minute Recipe)

The CDC recommends at least 60% alcohol in hand sanitizer to effectively battle viruses. This
formula follows this percentage and adds aloe vera for gentleness and essential oils for extra
virus fighting. This is the one I am currently using after being in areas where viruses are more
likely to be transmitted.

Ingredients:

 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)

 2 Tablespoons aloe vera (If unable to find aloe vera, glycerin can be used as a substitute)
 20 drops Germ Destroyer Essential Oil. (You can also use Germ Fighter which is stronger
but I wouldn’t recommend for use on kids)

- Mix all ingredients and combine in a spray bottle or small bottle of any kind. Use as
needed.
Keep in mind that you should adjust the recipe depending on the strength of the alcohol you’re
using. For example, if you’re using 99% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you’ll need a different
amount of aloe vera than if you were using 70% alcohol. Here are some quick guidelines?

Option 1 with 99% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol:

2 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 2/3 cup alcohol + 1/3 cup aloe vera gel)

Option 3 with 91% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:

3 parts alcohol
4 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 3/4 cup alcohol + 1/4 cup aloe vera gel)
Option 2 with 70% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:
9 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 90ml or 3 ounces of alcohol + 10ml or 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel)

Notes

 Always check with a doctor or healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially on
children or if you have a medical condition.
 Using fresh aloe vera gel isn’t as stable for counter storage; a commercial brand is
recommended.

Notes

CORONAVIRUS DISCLAIMER: This hand sanitizer is not a substitute for proper handwashing.
And while this home remedy contains commonly-accepted natural antiviral ingredients, it has
never been tested in a lab to determine it's efficacy against viruses such as the coronavirus. The
only version of this hand sanitizer recipe that includes the 60%+ alcohol content that the
CDC and other health organizations recommend for hand sanitizer to properly kill coronavirus is
the version using 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear)—and this version has still not been tested
for efficacy against coronavirus. A tested recipe that contains the proper level of alcohol can be
found through the World Health Organization. As always, check with your health care
professional before using any home remedy on you or your family.

Essential oil disclaimer: This recipe uses what are generally considered safe essential oils, but
please keep in mind that while completely natural, all essential oils are powerful plant
compounds that you and your family (including your pets) might have a reaction to. Never use
essential oils undiluted or take essential oils internally (diluted or undiluted) without the
guidance of a professional, and always read up about the possible side effects of each type of
oil before you use it. Avoid the use of essential oils (diluted or undiluted) during the first
trimester of pregnancy, on small babies, and on anyone with severe allergies to the plants the
oils are derived from. And if you see any reactions in yourself, your family, or your pets, stop
use of your essential oil products immediately and contact a medical professional.
Use of high-proof grain alcohol: Using high-proof grain alcohol (Everclear) in this recipe can be
very drying on the hands.