Hands harbor a multitude of germs, often neglected in daily hygiene routines. Forgetting to wash hands after using the restroom or constant cellphone tapping creates a breeding ground for germs. A hand sanitizer becomes essential to uphold hand hygiene, with natural homemade versions preferable amidst the surge of synthetic products. This article provides comprehensive insights into hand sanitizers, encompassing their importance and offering practical DIY home-use recipes.
What Is A Hand Sanitizer?
A hand sanitizer is a crucial antiseptic solution, offering an effective alternative to traditional soap. Its role in preventing the spread of pathogens on hands, thereby safeguarding against severe diseases, is often overlooked. While some may not fully comprehend its benefits, the significance of hand sanitizer in maintaining hygiene cannot be overstated. Especially when access to a sink is limited, a hand sanitizer with 60-80% alcohol content becomes a valuable tool for ensuring optimal hygiene and protection. (1)
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), a pair of contaminated hands are responsible for around 80% of common infections. In fact, proper hand hygiene is known to be the best defense against the HINI flu virus.
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Things To Know About A Hand Sanitizer
Things To Know About A Hand SanitizerBefore digging deeper into the methods of making natural hand sanitizers at home, here are some of the most significant things you should know about them.
It Is Effective
A report by WHO revealed that alcohol-based sanitizers could reduce bacteria much more effectively while keeping hands cleaner for an extended period.
It Does Not Cause Bacterial Resistance
Contrary to a common myth, using hand sanitizers does not lead to bacterial resistance. Hand sanitizers disrupt bacterial cell membranes with alcohol, a mechanism by which bacteria cannot develop immunity. This dispels the notion of creating ‘super-bacteria’ within the body through hand sanitizer use, assuring its continued effectiveness in maintaining hygiene.
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It Is Not Harsh To Skin
If you compare a hand sanitizer with an anti-bacterial soap, you will find that the sanitizer is much gentler on your skin than the latter. Even though it comes with an alcohol-based formula, you can also find many emollients in it, which take good care of the skin while fighting against germs.
It Should Be Used Correctly
You must know how to use hand sanitizer to make the most of it. Start with making your hands free from all visible dirt and grime. Pour some product on your palm and gently rub both palms vigorously for 20-30 seconds. This will ensure that the gel is distributed all over your hands. Essentially, it should be applied on your fingers, wrists, backs of your hands, and under your nails for effective cleansing. Once the hands become dry, you are done. However, you should never use water or a towel to rinse or wipe your hands after applying a hand sanitizer. This will counteract the effect of the product and spoil all your efforts.
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Most Effective DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes
Crafting your natural hand sanitizer at home provides a cost-effective alternative to commercial products and allows you to avoid potentially harmful chemical compounds. Empower yourself with the following list of effective homemade hand sanitizers to maintain hand hygiene naturally. (2)
1. Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients Required:
- Fresh aloe vera gel – 1/3 cup
- 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol – 2/3 cup
- Essential oil of your choice (lavender, vanilla, peppermint, grapefruit) – 8 to 10 drops
- A plastic spray bottle
- A funnel
- A medium-sized bowl and a spoon
Method To Prepare:
Take all these ingredients in the bowl and mix them well using the spoon. Now, pour the mixture into the spray bottle through the funnel, and your hand sanitizer is ready to use.
Note: The presence of alcohol in the hand sanitizer should be at least 60 percent to work as an effective disinfectant.
2. Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients Required:
- Witch hazel – 2 teaspoons
- Essential oil of your choice (tea tree or eucalyptus oil) – 4 to 5 drops
- Vodka – 2 ounces
- A plastic spray bottle
- A funnel
- A small bowl
Method To Prepare:
Like the previous method, mix the ingredients well in a bowl. Then, pour it into the bottle with the help of the funnel. The essential oil in the product adds fragrance and helps eliminate germs from the hands.
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3. Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients Required:
- Cinnamon essential oil – 10 drops
- Grapefruit seed extract – 20 drops
- Tea tree essential oil – 10 drops
- Fresh aloe vera gel – 1/4 cup
- Rubbing alcohol – 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable glycerin – 1/2 teaspoon
- Distilled water – as required
- A plastic spray bottle
- A funnel
- A small bowl
Method To Prepare:
Mix all the ingredients (except water) well in the bowl. Now, add distilled water as required to get the desired consistency. Then, using the funnel, transfer the liquid to the bottle, and you are done. This homemade hand sanitizer smells divine.
Note: Vegetable glycerin is an optional ingredient in this recipe. You can avoid it if you want to prevent slight stickiness.
4. Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients Required:
- Fresh aloe vera gel – 1 cup
- Tea tree oil – 30 drops
- Witch hazel – 1 tablespoon
- Lavender oil – 10 drops
- Vitamin E oil – 4 drops
- A plastic spray bottle
- A funnel
- A small bowl
Method To Prepare:
Please take all the ingredients in the bowl and mix them well. Next, pour the mixture into the bottle using the funnel. Finally, your alcohol-free homemade hand sanitizer is ready. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry your hands, but this will keep them moisturized.
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Summary
Hands harbor unseen threats, necessitating hand sanitizers as a crucial tool for germ defense. Hand sanitizers with 60-80% alcohol play a vital role, mainly when a sink is inaccessible. Contaminated hands contribute to 80% of common infections, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene. Dispelling myths, alcohol-based sanitizers effectively reduce bacteria without causing resistance or harm to the skin. Homemade alternatives, such as aloe vera, witch hazel, essential oils, and alcohol-free options, are cost-effective. Proper usage involves thorough rubbing for 20-30 seconds, ensuring optimal hand hygiene.
