We don’t have to tell you that concerns about COVID-19 are running high. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends “washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.” If soap and water are not available, the CDC suggests using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
According to The New York Times, there have been hand sanitizer shortages, and the cost of the gunk has skyrocketed, peaking around 73% higher than they were at this time last year. Newsweek reported that a 24-pack of Purell travel-size bottles were selling for a whopping $400. Yikes!
While these germ-killing gels may become scarce in the face of the growing outbreak, parents can easily make their own. Moms Clean Air Force writer Diane MacEachern shares her simple recipe here:
DIY HAND SANITIZER
What you need:
- 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel (Alcohol can dry out skin. Add aloe vera, coconut oil, or other plant-based oils to provide a moisturizer.)
What to do:
- Pour the ingredients into a small glass jar with a lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well mixed.
- Then pour into a clean, empty liquid soap bottle with a pump dispenser, or into a smaller travel-sized bottle for your purse, backpack or briefcase.
- Dispense about a dime-sized amount on the palm of your hand, then rub the sanitizer over both your hands, front and back. This works best on hands that have already been washed.
- The mixture should keep for about 6 months.
- Want some fragrance? Add a few drops of organic essential oils, such as lavender, lemon, vanilla or rose. Smell your mixture as you add the oils to be sure you don’t overdo it.