Make Your Own Sanitizer at Home

Make Your Own Sanitizer at Home

Nobody wants to be sick…

There are however, some steps to try to protect yourself…

Although some of these tips are for the Coronavirus specifically, they can apply to a common sense, broad approach to also staying healthy in general.

Clean your hands often:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Put distance between yourself and other people who are sick.

This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others:

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

Cover coughs and sneezes:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Throw used tissues in the trash.

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick:

If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect:

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:

Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against viruses when properly diluted.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

How to Make Your Own Sanitizer:

(Alcohol concentration should be at least 60% for the most effective alcohol based sanitizer).

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, stir alcohol and aloe vera gel together until well blended.

Add 8-10 drops of scented essential oil (optional).

Stir to incorporate.

Pour the homemade hand sanitizer into an empty container and seal.

** Always use clean tools to mix the solution together. **

For a ‘Non-Alcohol’ Sanitizer:

(You can use this in a pinch but it might not be as effective as the alcohol based sanitizer)

Start with a 4 ounce spray bottle.

Fill it about ¾ full with sterile water.

Add 1 TBSP of aloe vera gel.

Add 10 drops each of cinnamon, clove, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils.

Add 20 drops of either lemon, orange or grapefruit essential oil.

Place the spray dispenser top on securely and mix thoroughly.

Spray two or three times on your hands and rub together.

Repeat as needed.