04/03/2020
Dear Nigerians,
Since they detected one case of coronavirus in Nigeria, and they listed hand sanitizer as one of the prevention methods, the price of sanitizer has drastically increased. As we all know, some might not be able to buy. They will prefer to buy food with the little they have.
Below are the list of homemade hand sanitizer you can prepare, and they work great.
1. 2/3 cup of 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol, 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel, 8-10 drops essential oil, optional (such as vanilla, lavender, grapefruit, peppermint). Simply mix the ingredients together and then pour them into the recycled liquid soap or hand sanitizer bottle. Spray on hands and rub to dry. You can also spray on surfaces, utensils, baby toys etc.
How it works: The active ingredient in this sanitizer recipe is the alcohol, which needs to comprise at least 60% of the product in order to be an effective disinfectant.
2. Apple cider vinegar or any type of vinegar and aloe vera gel (avoid very sweet vinegars)- Vinegar is an antibacterial agent that kills 99% of bacteria. It’s also nontoxic, nonpolluting, and edible.
How to use: Mix vinegar with aloe vera gel in a 2:1 ratio (2 parts aloe to one part vinegar) and keep in a small spray bottle. Spray on hands so the entire surface of hands is wet. Rub all over, then wipe or shake dry.
3. Hydrogen peroxide- When hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with bacteria, it oxidizes, causing the bacteria to decompose.
How to use: keep a small spray bottle in your bag (exposing it to light will cause it to oxidize). Spray on hands and allow to foam. Wipe or shake dry.
4. Mix 5 ounces of aloe vera gel, 1 ounce witch hazel, and 8 to 10 drops of any antimicrobial essential oil (e.g. lemon, lemongrass, tea tree, eucalyptus).
The essential oils do the cleaning, and the higher concentration of aloe vera gel gives the same gel consistency as commercial sanitizers.
How to use: Put in a squeeze bottle. Squeeze a few drops onto hands and rub all over hands until dry.
Remember, washing your hands with soap and water is the best hygiene method because it gets rid of more germs and dirt. Sanitizer is helpful in case you don’t have access to water and soap and need to protect your hands against germs. Therefore, use soap and water regularly instead of hand sanitizer. It’s more effective and cheaper than sanitizer. Also, follow the instructions from the Federal Ministry of Health.
With these preventive measures, I am confident that coronavirus will soon become a thing of the past like Ebola.
