How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
Original image from Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.
1. Locate potential liquid candidates.
Your first choice should be isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, 91%, followed by high-proof liquors.
2. Determine alcohol content of liquid in question.
Alcohol kills microbes through the process of denaturation, which destroys proteins.
To be effective against microbes, the sanitizing agent should be no less than 60% alcohol, based on current CDC guidelines. If the alcohol content is too high, however, it will evaporate too quickly, reducing its effectiveness.
3. Understand “proof.”
In North America alcoholic proof is defined as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume. So, even so-called high-proof liquors (those that are 80 proof or higher) like vodka are only about 40% alcohol by volume, insufficient for sanitizing purposes. Only very-high-proof grain alcohols (120 proof or above) contain enough alcohol by volume to be effective as sanitizing agents.
4. Mix.
With the isopropyl or other suitable alcohol in hand, combine ¾ cup of the sanitizing agent with ¼ cup of aloe vera gel (available in drug stores) in a bowl. Slowly mix to combine, when whisk to create a gel. A few drops of essential oil may be added for fragrance. The aloe gel acts to reduce the strength of the alcohol and prevent its drying effects. If no aloe vera is available, consider coconut or almond oil.
5. Store.
When exposed to air, alcohol evaporates over time. Using a funnel, transfer your gel into a sealed container with a pump neck to prolong its life and facilitate ease of use.
Pro Tips:
To be effective, hand sanitizer should fully coat the hands and leave them feeling “wet” before totally evaporating.
Hand washing is more effective in combating microbes than hand sanitizer, and a lot cheaper.
Household bleach (properly diluted) can kill microbes on surfaces, but should not be used on hands.
High-abv liquids are highly flammable. Use caution around open flame.
Cheap red wine is not an effective hand sanitizer.