A counter for hand sanitizer at a retail outlet in Gwangju, 329 kilometers south of Seoul, is empty on Jan. 31, 2020, amid the ever-escalating global coronavirus crisis. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — As people are rushing in to look for hand sanitizers following the coronavirus outbreak, parents of young children are learning and sharing how to make them at home.
Anyone can make a hand sanitizer by mixing 80 percent of ethanol, 10 percent of glycerin, and 10 percent of distilled water. Aroma oils can be added if desired.
Mixing ethanol and aloe gel is enough to make a gel-type sanitizer. As long as alcohol accounts for more than 60 percent of the compound, the concoction will be effective at sanitizing.
“I looked it up on YouTube and found a way to make gel-type hand sanitizer. I shared it with others to make the sanitizer together,” said a 38-year-old women surnamed Park, the mother of a 6-year old daughter.
Amid soaring prices of commercial hand sanitizers and masks, homemade hand sanitizers only require ingredients that are easily obtained at a local pharmacy.
At the request of parents, some local workshops are holding one-day classes to share information on how to make sanitizing gels or sprays.
“Many parents come to learn how to make hand sanitizer at home following the coronavirus outbreak,” said Kim Seong-hee, a local workshop owner.
While experts say that homemade hand sanitizers are effective, they recommend wearing masks and washing hands simultaneously to prevent any chance of infection.
“Homemade hand sanitizers containing more than 60 percent of ethanol are effective against coronaviruses,” said Prof. Kim Woo-joo from Korea University Guro Hospital.
“To minimize side effects on the skin, skin protectors, aloe, and other helpful substances should also be included.”
“Thinking that hand sanitizers can solve all problems, however, is wrong,” Kim added.
“It is best to spend at least 30 seconds to wash your hands with running water and soap whenever your hands are dirty.”
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
