Making disinfectant yourself is basically only an emergency solution if it is no longer available for purchase. Should that be the case, we have two recipes for you: a disinfectant according to WHO specifications and an alternative with other caring ingredients.
Make your own disinfectant according to WHO specifications: What you need
The recipe of the World Health Organization (WHO) was originally intended for Third World countries. Therefore, the list of ingredients is limited to the most necessary. However, the quantities are intended for the production of larger quantities. For your own use, you will need:
- 830 milliliters of ethanol (96 percent) or 750 milliliters of isopropyl alcohol (99.8 percent)
- 42 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)
- 15 milliliters glycerol (98 percent)
- 110 milliliters boiled water
- Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and glycerin can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- Furthermore, you should have measuring cups handy for measuring the correct amounts.
- You will also need a sufficiently large container for mixing the disinfectant. As a guide, the quantities given will make one liter of disinfectant.
- Finally, you should decant the disinfectant into a suitable container. The best way to do this is to use a so-called apothecary or amber glass bottle. This way, the product will keep longer.
- For everyday use, handy spray bottles are suitable.
WHO recipe: how to mix the ingredients
Mixing the disinfectant is comparatively simple. However, be aware that you are handling potentially hazardous materials and proceed with appropriate caution. It is best to prepare the agent outdoors and away from possible sources of heat or fire. This is because: ethanol and likewise the finished disinfectant are highly flammable.
- First, the boiled (or distilled) water is added to the mixing vessel.
- Followed by measuring the correct amount of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol and adding it.
- Finally, add the hydrogen peroxide and glycerin. The former kills even the most stubborn bacteria, which sometimes survive the high-proof alcohol in dried-out form as so-called spores. The latter is used to protect the skin, which is attacked by the other two ingredients.
- Now you need to mix everything well. Either by stirring or, if the container you have chosen allows it safely, shaking.
- You can now fill the finished disinfectant. It is best to label the bottles legibly.
Further WHO advice: use and storage
There are several things to keep in mind when using and storing homemade disinfectant.
- Label the bottle neatly and legibly.
- Use the disinfectant externally only.
- When you disinfect your hands with the disinfectant, rub them until they are dry.
- Keep it away from children.
- Don’t let it come in contact with your eyes, either.
- The agent is highly flammable. Therefore, keep it away from heat and open fire or sparks.
Alternative: disinfectant with other caring ingredients
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The homemade disinfectant attacks the skin much more than the commercially available ones. The following recipe tries to counteract this with additional, caring ingredients. However, you are on the safe side with the WHO recipe. In addition, you need much fewer ingredients for it.
- 650 milliliters of alcohol is known to disinfect, so it’s right at the top of the ingredients list.
- 350 milliliters of boiled water or aloe vera juice
- two to three drops of essential oil. This will even make your disinfectant smell good.
- Some essential oils have antimicrobial properties and, in addition to pleasant aromas, therefore offer additional protection against viruses and bacteria. For example, lavender oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil or clove oil are suitable for your disinfectant.
- But be careful: essential oils can irritate the skin or even cause allergic reactions. Especially if you have sensitive skin you should exercise caution here. It is best to consult a pharmacy for advice on which oils are suitable for use on the skin.
- For additional care of your hands you can add vitamin E oil or aloe vera to the mixture.
To mix the disinfectant with essential oils
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For the composition of your disinfectant, you should use the following ingredients and pay attention to the specified mixing ratio.
- Two-thirds (650 milliliters) alcohol. Use ethanol from the pharmacy for this purpose. Keep in mind that ethanol is highly flammable. Therefore, work away from sources of heat or fire.
- One-third (350 milliliters) aloe vera juice or boiled water.
- For additional care, you can also add aloe vera concentrate and optionally a few drops of vitamin E oil.
- Two to three drops of the essential oil of your choice.
- Mix the ingredients together well.
- Finally, you can fill the disinfectant. Either in handy spray bottles or a larger, well-sealed container.
- Before each use of your homemade disinfectant, be sure to shake the bottle well.
- If you prefer gel rather than liquid disinfectant, stir in some more xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is a natural substance used in cooking as a thickener, among other things.
- Also, use an aloe vera gel for your disinfectant gel, which you can also easily make yourself.
Fighting pathogens: more tips
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We are always and everywhere surrounded by germs, but normally our immune system copes well with them. However, if dangerous viruses are circulating where the risk of infection is quite high, as in the case of colds, special hygiene measures are called for. By the way, many cold viruses belong to the coronavirus family, just like Sars, Mers and the current pathogen SARS-CoV-2.
- Generally, washing your hands with soap and water is a good way to protect yourself from infection, as most viruses and bacteria are already rendered harmless in this way. However, a prerequisite for this is that you wash your hands properly.
- Soap your hands thoroughly for at least 30 seconds before rinsing them with water.
- Removing towels regularly is also helpful to minimize the risk of infection.
- It is also better to avoid hand dryers in public restrooms and buildings.
- While you are out and about, you should avoid touching your face. If you have viruses on your hands, they won’t do any harm until they get into your mouth and nose.
- If you have one or more sick people in your immediate vicinity, or if you spend time in high-traffic areas such as subways, additional protection with a disinfectant may be useful.
- If the risk of infection in your household is very high, by the way, it does no harm to disinfect door handles and other frequently touched surfaces. Otherwise, neither washing your hands thoroughly nor disinfecting them will do much good.
- Hygiene is of great importance in containing the spread of disease. However, you should still not overdo it. After all, too frequent washing and disinfecting damages the skin’s natural protective barrier.
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
