Hand Washing is always best
In response to the hand sanitizer shortage, we recently made some Do-It-Yourself (DIY) hand sanitizers for workers who don’t have easy access to soap and water. We were careful to use a recipe with the correct alcohol content, which we double checked with a physician.
Beware, though, that the CDC exercises caution around DIY products since many recipes are ineffective. As soon as FDA-approved products are available again, they recommend using them. In particular, the CDC is concerned about DIY hand sanitizer products because of concerns over the correct use of the ingredients and the need to produce them under sterile conditions.
The CDC reminds us that hand washing is best as part of everyday preventive actions you can take to slow the spread of diseases like COVID-19. Remember:
Hand wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Plain soap is as effective as antibacterial soap at removing germs.
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an FDA-approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
Use hand sanitizers when hands are not visibly dirty or greasy.
Do not rely on DIY recipes based solely on essential oils or formulated without correct compounding practices.
Do not use hand sanitizer to disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. See CDC’s information for cleaning and sanitizing your home.
See FAQs about hand hygiene for healthcare personnel responding to COVID-2019.
Above: Kate Lanier and Liam Holloway-Bidwell make hand sanitizer for local agencies.