Avoid coronavirus panic: How to make DIY hand sanitiser at home

If you’ve been paying attention to the news recently, you have no doubt seen the dire lack of essentials left on supermarket shelves as a result of coronavirus panic buying.

From toilet paper to canned goods, it’s quickly becoming difficult to get your hands on anything. But one of the most important hygienic products to stay on top of is hand sanitiser – and with no guarantees on being able to purchase the store-bought version, it can’t hurt to know how to whip up your own in no time at all.

According to the Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Association, which regulates the standard of certain goods in Australia, hand sanitiser is considered an alcohol-based solution or rub that can be used without water. This means there has to be a significant percentage of alcohol in the mix.

With this, users are warned to take care when making the recipe as isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is considered flammable. Meanwhile, to make sure the kids stay safe, the solution should also be kept out of reach from children, only be made in small batches and be carried in a child-safe portable bottle.

Due to the homemade aspect, it’s also vital people test a small portion of the solution on their skin first before using. This way any sensitive skin types, allergies or irritations can immediately be spotted and avoided.

This recipe makes for a great on-the-go sanitiser that will not only protect against germs, but also ensure you aren’t spending an arm and a leg to keep yourself clean. Here’s how you make your own DIY hand sanitiser.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel (available at most drugstores)
• 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• Container with watertight lid
• Small funnel (optional)
• Essential oils (optional)

Note: If you can’t find 99% rubbing alcohol, you may need to adjust the ratio above to make sure the mixture contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Method

1. Stir together aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol until fully incorporated.
2. Depending on your personal preference, you can add a couple drops of essential oil, such as lavender (just be sure to test your skin for sensitivity first).
3. Using a funnel, decant the mixture into a bottle or container with a secure lid.
4. When you use the hand sanitiser, dispense it into the palm of one hand and rub all over the surface of both hands until completely dry. Keep the bottle out of reach of children.

Despite the benefits of keeping hand sanitiser on the go, the Department of Health suggests that hand washing is the preferable option, and the guide to getting a comprehensive clean can be found here.