Guidance from health and medical authorities, such as the NHS and World Health Organisation (WHO), states that frequent hand washing with soap and water throughout the day is a key part in preventing the spread of viruses. Or, failing that, for an on-the-go solution, use a hand sanitiser.
But with hand gels selling out across the UK what can you do when faced with an empty supermarket shelf of where they should be? Don’t panic, make your own.
DIY sanitisers are easy to make and just require three ingredients. Just make sure the solution contains at least 60% alcohol, as that is the level at which most viruses will be killed off.
Look for these ingredients:
- 60% isopropyl alcohol OR surgical spirit
- Tea tree oil
- Aloe vera gel
Start by filling your bottle with two thirds isopropyl alcohol before adding 10 drops of tea tree oil, which is known for its anti bacterial properties. Then fill the rest of the bottle with pure aloe vera gel. Shake together to mix and off you go.
Apply as you would any hand sanitiser, using one to two squirts/pumps to the palms of your hands and following the 20 second rule, making sure to rub it in across all the surfaces of your hands. Re-apply as required throughout the day.
