2 Parts Aloe, 1 Part Alcohol

I have never been a believer in hand sanitizer over soap, which is why I don’t own any. Soap simply works better. It grabs the oils off the skin in a way that alcohol-based sanitizers don’t. It also removes basic dirt and a wide variety of germs, from viruses to bacteria. Plus, when we rub our hands together to make soap foam, the friction ejects germs trying to hang on. Ask any kid I have ever taught in a health class, and they will tell you how loudly I sing the praises of soap! 

These days, standing on this soapbox has left me feeling a little foolish. While I firmly believe in good old-fashioned hand washing, it’s not very feasible on the go. And with COVID-19 in the community, we all need a portable option. You know what else isn’t very feasible? Forking over $100 for a bottle of Purell (which, by the way, isn’t even going to arrive for another two weeks if you are buying online... and if you’re lucky).    

Turns out, there are lots of homemade hand sanitizer options. Google DIY hand sanitizers – you'll find a ton of recipes. You’ll also get all sorts of disclaimers, including a hilarious one (joking, not joking) from Tito’s vodka imploring people not to use their alcohol for hand-sanitizing purposes because it’s not strong enough. If you want more info, including recipes and best strategies for use (rub for 20 seconds!) 

Denatured alcohol can be used to strip floors and make shellac, but don’t put it in your homemade hand sanitizer to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus.The Internet has exploded with homemade sanitizer recipes as it becomes harder to find Purell and other hand sanitizer brands, even in Ohio, where there are no confirmed cases of the illness. Akron-based GOJO Industries, which makes Purell, is ramping up production to try and meet demand as people stock up ahead because of coronavirus worries. READ MORE