Last updated on May 21st, 2023 at 04:16 pm
Long time readers may already use my disinfectant spray or DIY disinfectant wipes in their homes… but please note these have NOT been tested against the new coronavirus currently sweeping the world.
Vinegar is considered to be generally effective as a disinfectant against some viruses, but in this case it is NOT considered to be sufficient.
So, if you need a hand sanitiser or disinfectant spray and the supermarket is sold out, what should you use?
You need AT LEAST 60% alcohol in your sanitiser to be effective against COVID-19, and more (up to 90%) is better.
So, here is an easy hand sanitiser shared with me by my Dad’s doctor the other day.
Hand Sanitising Gel
Mix together:
3 parts methylated spirits (you can also use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol)
1 part Aloe Vera gel
10 drops lemon or lime essential oil (optional)
10-15 drops tea tree oil (usually available at your supermarket in Australia – also optional)
***KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN***
The aloe vera is important as it will help prevent your skin drying out. Rub until it is all rubbed in. Using a hand cream regularly is also important, to prevent your skin from drying out, BUT if you are out and about, the hand cream provides an extra fatty layer on your skin where the virus can live – so maybe wait till you get home to lather up!
DO NOT vary the ingredients to have less metho, or you may end up with not enough alcohol in your mix.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer a disinfectant spray…
Use Shannon Lush’s recipe of 1 cup metho to 2 tbs glycerin, and keep the essential oils the same (or she says 1 tsp tea tree oil).
Keep in mind, a hand sanitiser works best when your skin is already basically clean, so if there is visible dirt, wash well first with soap and water – in fact, if you wash THOROUGHLY, soap and water is still considered the best option. Use the hand sanitiser as a backup only.
The same thing applies to surfaces, so I still recommend cleaning in your house with an envirocloth (for instance) and THEN disinfecting if need be.
