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You Could Make Hand Sanitizer at Home—but Should You?
As basic hygiene products are becoming harder to come by, many are looking to the Internet to make their own DIY versions.
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10 Comments
John F.
March 20, 2020
I only shop in Walmart if I'm desperate, but I ended up there searching for hand sanitizer. A sweet young salesperson showed me where it usually is and, of course, it was all sold out. As she went on her way she gave me a beautiful smile and said "Vodka works". LOL.
Chas373
March 19, 2020
This is ridiculous! What the article doesn't say is that if you measure correctly and use strong enough alcohol like 95-96% and above you've duplicated what you get with purell or any of the sanitizers. I did it today Aloe Vera Gel and because there was no isopropyl alcohol to be found, I bought Neutral grain spirits. 196 proof which is 95% alcohol content. You mix 2/3 cup alcohol and 1/3 cup aloe vera gel and a splash of peroxide. Mix well and let it sit for an hour to fully dissolve the gel after shaking and you're good to go. Was just at a couple of Drs appts this week, and was using the Purell in each office a good number of times while there. What you make following the directions is identical to the store bought. Smelled just as strong and felt the same. Why do they think everyone can't follow instructions? going without the sanitizer say after you get back into your car and liable to touch your face or mouth by reflex is not preferable to having it. SMH
mdelgatty
March 20, 2020
I was rather amused at the assumption that readers - ON A RECIPE SITE! - can't do basic math or follow instructions...
Rebecca F.
March 20, 2020
Good morning! We certainly know F52 readers can do basic math and follow instructions. Indeed, if there's a bit more flour/sugar in a recipe the end result will likely still be delicious.
Since this is a more serious situation we are exercising more caution with our suggestion. As the professionals we (and other outlets) spoke with regarding DIY hand sanitizer, the general agreement was that while you can do it, it is nearly impossible to be 100% certain the mixture is correct, and the recommendation is still to use a commercially produced version if soap and water are unavailable. Have a great day :)
Since this is a more serious situation we are exercising more caution with our suggestion. As the professionals we (and other outlets) spoke with regarding DIY hand sanitizer, the general agreement was that while you can do it, it is nearly impossible to be 100% certain the mixture is correct, and the recommendation is still to use a commercially produced version if soap and water are unavailable. Have a great day :)
Chas373
March 20, 2020
Sorry to have made you bristle BUT I stand on what i posted. And lastly I'll take being 99% certain and have something rather than nothing to disinfect my hands when nothing else is available to use. You use correct ingredients, use the right ratios and follow instructions correctly there is no scientific reason your mixture will not work. Plus a little faith in the God goes a long way. Food for thought. God Bless you and may you stay well during these harrowing times.
June
March 29, 2020
I just learned how to make the homemade versions. Yes, this is serious, compared to the ability to follow a recipe, but what about canning? Water-bath canning requires strict adherence to both the recipe and tested, prescribed methods for food safety. Millions of people can. I suspect that they are capable of choosing the correct ingredients for making homemade hand sanitizer. We will always have a handful of people who don't follow directions or take shortcuts. On the other hand, if Food52 doesn't want to recommend or endorse the homemade, I get that. I guess. But I agree about having something that's 99% effective over having nothing.
Morrili
March 19, 2020
This is great. I think we should also anticipate running out of soap and other cleaning products. I would love guidance on making those items.
sue
March 19, 2020
Soap requires a strong base, such as lye. Invest in special cookware and strong gloves, I use to make soap, lots of soap that I sold at crafts fairs. It's not for timid.
sue
March 19, 2020
Everclear or Graves Grain Alcohol with Aloe Gel. Also good for cleaning any type of adhesive off of glass. Can be used sparingly for medicinal purposes if there's nothing else available and your Governor closes the package stores because their "non-essential," heaven forbid.
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