You’ve got to admit the Novel Coronavirus has got everyone’s attention like no other – pushing things, people and even countries to a standstill. As COVID-19 spread, panic spread at a much higher rate and before you knew it, sanitizers flew off the shelves faster than the lockdown hit you.
Truth is the only best way to keep the distance from this virus is the old-fashioned drill of washing your hands with soap and water. That said, it isn’t the most convenient or eco-friendly way of keeping your hands clean. Ideally, you still need a solution that doesn’t require water and is still effective enough.
This is where the sanitizer rises to the occasion. Although it is NOT a substitute for washing hands, frequent sanitization with an effective hand sanitizer can keep you safe during this pandemic. Now isn’t that just what you’ve been secretly hoping for, eh!?
For starters, to help you identify the kind of sanitizer that aligns with your needs here’s a quick lowdown on the two main types of sanitizers so you can pick the one you need.
Types Of Hand Sanitizers
1. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Contains alcohol content that ranges from 60% to 95%
- The higher alcohol concentration works at effectively killing most germs and viruses, including the Coronavirus
- Alcohol content tends to dry out the skin and is not sensitive skin-friendly
2. Alcohol-free hand sanitizer
- Contains alcohol-free disinfectants and anti-microbial agents
- The lower alcohol concentration works at reducing the number of microbes rather than killing them
- Ideal for sensitive skin and doesn’t excessively dry out the skin
Okay, a few trips to the supermarket, both online and offline, will help you realize that all that’s left are slim pickings. So rather forget about getting your hands on something that ALSO smells good apart from killing germs. What if we told you, you can switch to your #IndependentMode and easily make one?
How To Make Sanitizer
As long as you’ve got alcohol, you can still guard yourself against the germs. Yes, you wish your regular vodka would cut it but nope. We’re talking Isopropyl Alcohol. Don’t worry about the chemistry bit, we’re here to break it down for you?
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Isopropyl Alcohol (Works as the key disinfectant to kill germs)
- Aloe Vera Gel (Works as a moisturizing agent to counteract the drying effects of alcohol)
- Essential Oil of your choice (Works to improve the fragrance of the sanitizer)
Directions:
Step 1: Pour 2/3rd cup of Isopropyl Alcohol and 1/4th cup of Aloe Vera gel in a clean bowl and mix thoroughly with a spoon.
Step 2: Add 8 drops of Essential Oil to the mixture. Now keep whisking till the mixture turns into a gel.
Step 3: Now holding a funnel at the opening of a pump bottle, pour your DIY sanitizer through the funnel.
Step 4: Shut the lid, shake and use.
Precautions To Adhere To While Making Your Own Hand Sanitizer At Home:
- For a hygienic working environment, ensure the countertop where you’re making the sanitizer is cleaned before you begin. Similarly clean the bowl, spoon and pump bottle that will be used in the process.
- For good hand hygiene, wash your hands with soap and water before you work on creating your sanitizer.
- To create alcohol-based sanitizers, avoid using any other type of alcohol, such as Methanol or Butanol as they are toxic.
- We recommend you wait for at least 24 hours before using the freshly made sanitizer. This allows time to knock off impurities that might’ve sneaked in during the mixing process.
How To Use Sanitizer
It’s great that you’ve learned to make your own sanitizer (better than nudging someone else for a single drop) but are you using it right? Forget the germs, using the sanitizer the wrong way can kill the actual purpose. So here’s a quick guide to knowing if you’re doing it right.
Step 1: Squirt a pea-sized amount of hand sanitizer on your palm.
Step 2: Rub your hands thoroughly to ensure it covers the entire surface of both your hands. This includes the fingers, the spaces between them and inside of the nails.
Step 3: Keep rubbing for at least 30 seconds and wait till your hands are dry before you touch any surface. This wait is important because sometimes it could even take 60 seconds for the sanitizer to kill most germs.
BEST HAND SANITIZERS
Hands down these are the best little life saviors you need to get your hands on. Scroll ahead.
1. Dettol Hand Sanitizer - Sleeves Original
We’re not the ones to play favorites but believe us when we say you can count on our forever fav, the Dettol Hand Sanitizer - Sleeves Original. Its protecting formula can attack 100 illness-causing germs without the need for a rinse. And you know that sticky after-feel? Well, the Dettol sanitizer gives you more bang for your buck with a stick-free yet effective formulation. Oh, and can we cheer for its oh-so-cute, handy packaging that makes it a viable travel-friendly choice?
2. VLCC Hand Sanitizer
Enter VLCC Hand Sanitizer. We’re yet to figure why it’s called a mere sanitizer when it can be an instant savior with its potent blend of anti-microbial alcohol (72%) and an assortment of soothing essential oils. This hand rub infused with natural ingredients kills germs without drying out your skin. A few drops will slap those bad nasties for good. Oh, and the citrusy fragrance will leave your hands feeling happy. That’s what we call a win-win.
3. Globus Remedies Hand Sanitizer
A hand sanitizer that kills germs and hydrates your hands? Yes, please. Even better, the Globus Remedies Hand Sanitizer is compact enough to conveniently fit in your handbag. Perfect for quick rubs during quick grocery runs amidst the lockdown chaos. Designed to kill 99.99% of germs, it’s also great for sensitive skin and leaves hands smooth. The best bit? It comes in a pack of 3. Well, not you, not me, this one sure came prepared for the lockdown, no?
4. Inatur Moisturising Hand Sanitizer
Also ready to toss in your clutch is the adorable-looking Inatur Moisturising Hand Sanitizer. And the good news is apparently, hand sanitizers don’t always have to smell too clinical. This tiny bottle is packed with anti-microbial Neem extracts that add a refreshing note to it. The non-sticky formulation is gentle on hands and harsh on COVID-19. Go ahead and squeeze away for a hydrating and aromatic rub.
FAQS ON HAND SANITIZERS
1. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, do hand sanitizers lower the chances of getting infected by the virus?
Given the ongoing pandemic, the safest way to escape the virus is by frequently washing your hands with soap and water. Since that might not be possible all the time, rubbing your hands with a good sanitizer is a convenient resort. The virus is known to spread via droplets. If you accidentally encounter these droplets with your hands and then touch your face, you could infect yourself with the virus. This infection can be avoided if you wash or sanitize your hands to ensure they’re clean all the time. So yes, regularly using a sanitizer can lower the chances of getting infected by the virus.
2. What should be the required percentage of alcohol content in hand sanitizers?
It is essential for a hand sanitizer to have at least 60% alcohol content to be effective at killing germs and viruses. A sanitizer with less than 60% alcohol may not be as effective at keeping your hands germ-free.
3. Should hand sanitizers be avoided by people with eczema?
People with eczema should stick to washing hands with soap and water as hand sanitizers, especially alcohol-based hand rubs could be harsh on your skin. Choose to go with gentle sanitizers and follow it up with a moisturizing cream.
4. How to make hand sanitizers that smell good?
Essential oils, with their pleasant fragrances, are your best bet at aromatic DIY hand sanitizers. To help you decide your pick, here are a few essential oils and the fragrances they lend.
- Rosemary essential oil – strong mint-like scent
- Lavender essential oil – sweet floral scent
- Lemongrass essential oil – fresh citrusy scent
- Tea tree essential oil – spicy camphor scent
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