Can’t Find Hand Sanitizer? Make Your Own

With COVID-19 still in full effect, hand sanitizer is a hot commodity (well, not if you get the Freshman Fun Box ™️ or The HBCU Box ®️). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps adding to the list of unsafe hand sanitizer due to manufacturers using methanol, which comes with serious side effects and can even be fatal.

If you aren’t using a name brand hand sanitizer, how will you know if you have one that won’t hurt you? What if you can’t even find hand sanitizer? One of the best ways to circumvent this is by making your own. Hand washing is the first line of defense, but when you need a backup, hand sanitizer is the way to go.

All you need is three ingredients

To make your own hand sanitizer, you’ll need:

  • 2 parts Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (91 -99 percent alcohol)
  • 1 part Aloe vera gel
  • A few drops of an essential oil like lavender, tea tree oil, peppermint or use lemon juice
  • Clean spoon
  • Whisk

It’s important to follow all the steps and be very careful. You want to make your hand sanitizer in a clean space, fully cleaning and sanitizing the counter or table before beginning. Always wash your hands and the utensils before using. Also, make sure the alcohol is not diluted. Mix the ingredients until thoroughly blended. Don’t touch with your hands until it’s ready for use. 

Good job! Now, do you know how to properly use hand sanitizer? Here are a few tips:

  •  Rub it into your skin until the hands are dry
  • If hands are dirty or greasy, you should wash with soap and water first, or a wipe of some kind to remove the grit and grime.
  • Spray or apply into your palm of one hand.
  • Rub your hands together, making sure the entire surface of your hands and fingers are covered.
  • Rub for 30 to 60 seconds until dry. It can take hand sanitizer up to 60 seconds to kill germs.

Even with hand sanitizer handy, if you have access to soap and water, USE IT! Hand washing is the most effective way to kill viruses and germs.

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