Why shell out over $100 for a pair of Purell bottles when you can make some at-home hand sanitizer yourself? Check out this hand sanitizer recipe from the World Health Organization (WHO) that’s adjusted for at-home usage. No burns, guaranteed.
Growing fear over COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, has significantly increased demand for hand sanitizer over the last few weeks. Local stores are out or low on stock and online sellers have hiked up the price of everyday hygiene products like facial masks and hand sanitizer. According to The Atlantic, a Brooklyn Craiglist post priced a pack of 78 bottles of industrial hand sanitizer for $750 total.
While Craigslist has yet to take action, other sites are instituting policies to combat unfair pricing. eBay has completely banned the sale of hand sanitizers and facial masks, citing the prices of several highly-priced listings as potentially illegal. In an effort to prevent further extreme price increases, Amazon is now placing restrictions on third-party sellers of health and sanitation products.
Youtuber G Chang uploaded a DIY hand sanitizer video breaking down WHO’s mass production recipe. In the almost three minute video, G Chang demonstrates how to make at-home hand sanitizer with simple household tools and easily accessible ingredients. The recipe makes a1/3 quart of hand sanitizer or 1 1/3 cups.
Ingredients and Supplies:
- 1 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol
- 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide 3%
- 1 tsp pure glycerin
- Water (to meet the 1/3 quart level)
- Mixing bowl and spoon (or something to stir the ingredients with)
- Funnel (if necessary)
- Empty portable container
How to Make Safe, WHO-Approved At-Home Hand Sanitizer
- Dump 1 cup of rubbing alcohol into a mixing bowl.
- Add 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide 3%.
- Add 1 tsp of pure glycerin.
- Add the necessary amount of water to reach the 1/3 quart level. (The easiest way to do this is to first measure out 1 1/3 cups of water into a jar or bowl. Mark the liquid level on the container with a pen or a piece of tape. Empty the bowl, then add the mixture of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and glycerine to the marked container. Lastly, add the water until the liquid level reaches the 1/3 quart line.)
- Stir, whisk or shake the ingredients with a spoon, mixing tool or in a tightly closed container until they are well-blended.
- Place the mixture into an empty portable container. Tip: Use a funnel for pouring your newly homemade hand sanitizer into small-mouthed containers, like bottles.
Check out the video below.