How to make your own DIY hand sanitizer... (UPDATED)

[Diana3271]

Originally Posted by antbuko

Yep, I couldn't find aloe vera gel either. I didn't check on toilet paper, but what's the deal with that? Is there a shortage? Is this like a storm warning rush?

I have been curious about the toilet paper, too. Did people not use it prior to this coronavirus thing coming into the picture? Does all the toilet paper come from China?

[Jennifer R]

folks, this is very important:

The FINAL product has to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective against the virus. That means that you need 90% alcohol at least to start--in stores it's available at strengths from 50 to 99%. Once you dilute it the concentration of alcohol goes down. And that recipe for the kids' sanitizer--sorry Alta, but it's total bunk.

It's better to not use anything at all and not touch your face than use an ineffective product and have a false sense of security. So I implore anyone making their own sanitizer, do the math and make sure you have a final product with a 60% or higher concentration of alcohol.

[cataddict]

Originally Posted by Jennifer R

folks, this is very important:

The FINAL product has to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective against the virus. That means that you need 90% alcohol at least to start--in stores it's available at strengths from 50 to 99%. Once you dilute it the concentration of alcohol goes down. And that recipe for the kids' sanitizer--sorry Alta, but it's total bunk.

It's better to not use anything at all and not touch your face than use an ineffective product and have a false sense of security. So I implore anyone making their own sanitizer, do the math and make sure you have a final product with a 60% or higher concentration of alcohol.

THANKS, Jennifer. I wasn't thinking about the dilution level in the rubbing alcohol that you get in stores. I think I will stick to frequent hand washing which is harsh enough on my super dry skin, and I'm sensitive to some of the essential oils as well.

I'm more worried about toilet paper shortages at this point. Really, people? Can you spare a square?

[Lori_Michigan]

Stores near me have now sold out of rubbing alcohol and aloe gel, I did find some tea tree oil at Trader Joe's but that's it. Very low stock of toilet paper and bottled waters in the two stores I went to today. One store employee told me that if their supply runs out, he's not sure how long it would take for them to get more in. Yikes.

[Vintage VFer]

Originally Posted by Jennifer R

folks, this is very important:
The FINAL product has to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective against the virus. That means that you need 90% alcohol at least to start--in stores it's available at strengths from 50 to 99%. Once you dilute it the concentration of alcohol goes down. And that recipe for the kids' sanitizer--sorry Alta, but it's total bunk.
It's better to not use anything at all and not touch your face than use an ineffective product and have a false sense of security. So I implore anyone making their own sanitizer, do the math and make sure you have a final product with a 60% or higher concentration of alcohol.

I used the 90-something percent isopropyl alcohol.

More info: "Specifically, Miryam Wahrman, a biology professor at William Paterson University who wrote "The Hand Book: Surviving in a Germ-Filled World," told Insider a recipe with 70% alcohol should be nine parts alcohol to one part aloe vera. A recipe with 99% alcohol could be three parts alcohol to two parts aloe vera.

OregonLive recommends a two-to-one ratio of 91% isopropyl alcohol to aloe vera. You can also add eight to 10 drops of scented oil if you want to smell nice.

(Keep in mind that liquor is rarely over 60% alcohol so is ineffective for germ-killing purposes. Tito's vodka, for example, is 40% alcohol and has warned consumers not to mistake it for a cleaning agent.)"


Jen - Do you feel that adding tea tree oil or lavender oil has any benefits?

[Jennifer R]

Minimal to none besides making it smell better. Tea tree oil can also be sensitizing in concentrated amounts.

[Vintage VFer]

DH had some 91% isopropyl alcohol in the garage. I remade the sanitizer with the recommended ratios of alcohol.

I made it more for emergency use as alcohol tears up my hands.

Maybe white gloves will make a comeback?

[bubbles76]

Haha spare a square! Thank goodness I accidentally bought too much toilet paper a week ago. I thought we needed more but I actually had some in another closet. And we have bottles and bottles of rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. Big Bubble uses lots of both.

[Jennifer R]

Alta, will those gloves be opera-length?? I hear you about the alcohol, if I use too much I get painful cracks on my fingers.

[Vintage VFer]

Originally Posted by Jennifer R

Alta, will those gloves be opera-length?? I hear you about the alcohol, if I use too much I get painful cracks on my fingers.

I can pretend to be Audrey Hepburn.