As people concerned about the coronavirus continue snatching up hand sanitizer, retail outlets have been having a difficult time keeping their shelves stocked with the germ-killing hand solution. But there’s no need to worry; experts say homemade hand sanitizer is every bit as effective as store-bought versions.

The active ingredient in hand sanitizer is something most people already have in their bathrooms: rubbing alcohol. Adding several drops of essential oil will make it smell better, but it’s not necessary.

While hand sanitizer doesn’t kill all viruses, it’s been proven to be effective against the coronavirus.

From CBSNEWS.com

“If you make it well, it’s about as effective as using soap and water,” said Dr. Stephen Morse, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University in New York. “We know it works — just make sure it has enough alcohol in it.”

Here’s a list of required ingredients to make your own hand sanitizer:

• 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Funnel
• Two-ounce spray bottle or liquid soap container
• Masking tape and pen or marker for labeling the container (or adhesive labels)

Directions: Pour the alcohol and aloe vera in a bowl and stir until blended. Add several drops of essential oil and stir to help mask the smell of alcohol. Use the funnel to pour the eight ounce mixture into containers, then affix the strips of marked masking tape (or adhesive labels) to identify the bottles’ contents.

Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill all viruses, but it is effective against the coronavirus, Dr. Agus explained. The virus is protected by a shell, called an “envelope glycoprotein,” which the alcohol scrambles. “When you take away the protective part of the virus, it dies pretty quickly,” he said.

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Susan Saunders 3/4/20