Coronavirus(covid-19) has hit the world like a storm. The virus has put panic throughout the world with governments urging people to use hand sanitizers. The sanitizers should be alcohol based and come in handy where there is little or no water. Since most of them have either sold out or are too expensive, here are simple ways to make your own:
Method 1
Ingredients
Aloe vera gel
60%-99% Rubbing alcohol
Essential oil
Procedure
- Put 100ml rubbing alcohol into a container
- Add 50ml of aloe vera gel
- Add 4-8 drops of essential oil, such as, eucalyptus oil, rose oil and tea tree oil.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or any clean empty bottle
Method 2
Ingredients
Aloe vera gel
Essential oil
60%-99% rubbing alcohol
Natural oil, such as, Vitamin E oil
Procedure
- Put 2/3 rubbing alcohol in a container
- Add 1/3 aloe vera gel
- Add 2-4 drops of essential oil
- Add 2-3 drops of natural oil
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly
- Pour them into a spray or empty bottle
This method is also beneficial for those with dry hands. The natural oil helps moisturize the skin especially since some essential oils strip the skin’s natural oils.
You can then spray or pour on your hands whenever necessary.
- Note: use processed aloe vera gel in the above methods, as the natural gel is very hard to whisk.
- The higher the percentage in the rubbing alcohol, the higher the effectiveness.
- The essential oil is not compulsory. It just gives your hands a fresh feel and also used as a scent.
Method 3
You can also make antibacterial wipes that are also very effective hand sanitizers;
Ingredients
Fresh/ unprocessed aloe vera gel
Rubbing alcohol
Essential oil
Thick paper towels
Procedure
- Extract fresh gel from the aloe vera leaf
- Put it in a blender, add rubbing alcohol and a few drops of essential oil. The blender is compulsory since fresh aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol are hard to whisk.
- Blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour them into a container then put the paper towels inside. Ensure the mixture does not exceed the towels because this will make them disintegrate. The mixture should be very little then shake the jar to ensure all the towels are wet.
- Cover the container with a plastic wrap then cut a small patch in the wrap. This patch is what you’ll use when removing the towel.
- Finally, cover it with a lid and only open it when you need to get a towel.
How the virus is spread. The information below has been extracted from the CDC website.
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
