Whether you still have travel plans or simply going outside Orlando for errands, having a hand sanitizer is a must these days. As the cold and flu season approaches amidst the continuous reach of COVID-19, hand sanitizers are running out of supply while options on Amazon are either out of stock or available at inflated prices.

Just recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress the importance of regular hand washing or using an alcohol-based sanitizer as actions to prevent the spread of the disease.

In case you were not able to acquire enough hand sanitizers, do not worry. You can easily prepare a DIY hand sanitizer with some basic ingredients.

Important considerations

Before preparing your DIY hand sanitizer, there are considerations to bear in mind. For a hand sanitizer to be effective in eliminating germs, it should contain at least 60% alcohol according to the CDC.

You should follow the listed ratios below but feel free to make adjustments to the amounts when preparing a smaller or bigger batch. Since this preparation includes a high amount of alcohol, it is recommended to store it in a sealed container and kept out of reach of children.

Prepare your DIY hand sanitizer

Although regular handwashing with soap and water is preferable to using a hand sanitizer, it is a good alternative in instances when you do not have access to a sink or want to ensure that your hands are clean. Here are the steps on how to prepare a DIY hand sanitizer that you can have on hand at your home, office or in a small container that is a handy essential in your bag or purse.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• Container or bottle with a watertight lid
• Essential oils (optional)
• Small-sized funnel (optional)

Aloe vera is included in the mixture since it works as a moisturizer that prevents the skin from drying out. It is useful since any cracks in the skin can increase one’s risk of bacterial infection.

In case 99% rubbing alcohol is not available, you can adjust the ratio to ensure that the mixture includes at least 60% alcohol.

Steps

• Mix the aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol until completely combined.
• If you prefer, add a few drops of essential oil such as lavender.
• With a funnel, pour out the mixture into a container or bottle with a secure lid.

There you have it – a hand sanitizer that you can easily prepare at home in case stores in your area runs out of supply.

When using your DIY hand sanitizer when going outside in Orlando, it is recommended to dispense it into the palm of one hand and rub it throughout the surface of both hands until fully dry. Make sure that the container is out of reach of children.