Hand sanitizer is a liquid or a gel used to kill germs. It is mostly used to decrease bacteria on hands. It also ensures that all organic matter is removed. Below are the two main types of hand sanitizer:
- Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
For you to make your Alcohol-based sanitizer, you need to have the following:
- Aloe Vera gel
- Rubbing alcohol
- Medium mixing bowl
- A spoon
- Small glass mason jar
Using these items mentioned above, you now have to start the process of mixing the rubbing alcohol and aloe Vera in the mixing bowl. Stir them until they are well blended. Next, add about 9 drops of scented essential oil. This is not necessary but will add a scent which you desire. After you have added this oil, stir about five to seven minutes until it becomes thoroughly mixed together. Keep in mind that this hand sanitizer has similar features with non-alcohol hand sanitizer. The main difference being that this is more effective in killing germs since it contains over 70% alcohol. Here are some benefits of using Alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
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- The bacteriostatic rate is always higher than Alcohol-free sanitizer and therefore it kills more than germs
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- It helps your hands by leaving them feeling soft and refreshed
- Easy to carry since it can be packed in smaller sized bottles
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- Non-Alcohol Sanitizer
Not everyone uses Alcohol-based sanitizer. Manufacturers have to come up with a different type of sanitizer that has no alcohol to please them. Since it lacks alcohol content, it is advisable to be used only in events that there is also access to proper handwashing with soap and water. To make your own hand sanitizer without alcohol, you can follow the steps below using these items:
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- Medium bowl for mixing
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- Silicone
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- A mixing spoon
- Soap bottle with a pump
Once you have these items, here are the ingredients to use: aloe Vera, vitamin E oil and also Jojoba oil. Aloe Vera is used since it is a trusted skincare ingredient. In fact, it has been used for several years now. It has antibacterial features that make it a great ingredient for this gel. Jojoba oil is used for adding moisturizer to the sanitizer.
This gel is also easy to carry and use, just like sanitizer with alcohol. There are sizes that fit in pockets and can be used anywhere at any time. Mentioned below are just a couple of reasons for using non-alcohol sanitizer:
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- It has less skin irritation that occurs using sanitizers with alcohol.
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- Ingestion of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can pose a serious threat particularly in young children.
Dangers of Hand Sanitizer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to warn consumers and health care professionals not to use certain alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to the dangerous presence of methanol, or wood alcohol – a substance often used to create fuel and antifreeze that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin as well as life-threatening when ingested.
