Quick Tip: If you’re struggling to find hand sanitizer in stores and online like many of us are, you might like to know how to make your own. Here’s the simplest recipe I have found on how to make your own hand sanitizer.

DIY Hand Sanitizer Using Stuff You Have Around the House

Gather your supplies:

You’ll also need a bowl and spoon, a small funnel and a recycled liquid soap or hand sanitizer bottle.

Directions:

  • Use a 2/1 mix of rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. (For example, 2/3 cup of alcohol and 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel). Place ingredients in bowl and mix with the spoon until it reaches consistency. Add the essential oil, if desired.
  • Place the funnel into the recycled bottle and carefully pour in the mixture.
  • You’re all done! Use as often as needed.

Stay safe, my friends. As we prepare to hunker down in these coming weeks, be sure to check out these tips on staying safe from coronavirus.

Got kids?  Parents can teach and practice defensive measures to decrease the chances of infection and keep their children healthy this season. Because germs and viruses tend to stay on the hands, frequently washing hands, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, using hand sanitizer, and using disposable diapers for infants can help prevent the spread of illnesses among friends and family members.

Why Hand Sanitizer is So Important Right Now

They’re lying in wait for you at the ATM machine and on your computer keyboard at work. Secretly, they attach themselves to your hands when you push a shopping cart at the store. The little pests will even attach themselves to your children’s hands when they romp on playground equipment.

They’re germs carrying viruses, and they’re lurking in more places than most people think, just waiting to be touched so they can hitch a ride on people’s hands.

“Most people think they have a good idea of where germs are, but I think they would be surprised to learn of the places or things where they can pick up germs that may make them sick,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, Environmental Microbiology professor at the University of Arizona.

Where the Germs Lurk

According to Dr. Gerba, many people know there are germs in bathrooms, but may not realize that the computer keyboard at work or the sponge in the kitchen can be even filthier than a toilet seat. From the workplace, the home and school to cars, trains and planes, germs are everywhere. Even during activities such as exercising, playing, shopping, going to the movies, attending sports events and commuting, people are coming in contact with germs and may not realize it.

A Simple Solution

Since many germs are spread by hand contact, practicing good hygiene every day is a solution to the problem. When soap and water aren’t available, using an instant hand sanitizer like this will do the job. This alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills 99.99% of the most common germs that may cause illness.

Be careful when you’re:

  • At work – watch for elevator buttons, phones, shared ink pens, keyboards, light switches, door handles.
  • At the gym – exercise machine handles, mats, locker-room doors
  • Traveling – subway poles and handles, gas pump nozzles, countertops
  • At school – shared toys and books, cafeteria trays, playground equipment
  • At home – pet toys, light switches, thermostats
  • When shopping – escalator handrails, shopping basket handles.

Knowing where germs are and practicing good hand hygiene can help keep you healthy.