How to make your own Sanitizer
Dharshana Kathiresan, INN, Chennai, @infodeaofficial
It is fundamental to keep us safe during this period of a public health crisis. Sanitation is a major part of defending ourselves from the COVID-19 infection, and also according to WHO’s guidelines, washing one’s hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds multiple times in a day is recommended.
This created a scarcity in the supply of sanitizers and handwashes everywhere. The increase in demand because of the pandemic eventually led to the rise in prices and the piling of stocks. In these cases, the availability of sanitizers and soaps also comes into the equation.
So it is advisable to prepare sanitizers at home and it’s quite easy to make.
Sanitizers are recommended to be used only when the facility of washing hands is not available. However, as the need for sanitizers has become mandatory, especially while traveling, here is an easy procedure for making sanitizers (as recommended by WHO).
Required ingredients (To make a sanitizer)
- Isopropyl alcohol (with 99 percent alcohol content)
- Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)
- Glycerol (98 percent)
- Sterile distilled or boiled cold water
Required apparatus
- Measuring cup
- Empty spray bottles
- Spoon to stir and transfer ingredients
Procedure to make the sanitizer
- Pour the alcohol in a container (1 cup).
- Add the hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon).
- Add the glycerol (1 teaspoon).
- Stir well. The consistency of the glycerol is much thicker than the other two, so it’s necessary to make sure that all three are mixed well.
- Now, add the water (1/4 of a cup) and mix well.
- Clean your spray bottle with soap and water or leftover alcohol.
- Wait till the alcohol has evaporated or the water has dried
- Pour the mixture in the spray bottle.
- Your sanitizer is thus prepared.
Some tips to keep you safe
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay at home
- Wear a cloth face mask outside the house
- Stay at least 6 feet away from other people while traveling outside
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
