Lena Savoie
Good Housekeeping recommends that hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective in fighting germs. In one instance, the publication ran an article claiming that by combining Tito's Vodka, aloe gel, and essential oils, one can create a safe and effective homemade hand sanitizer. However, this was later proven to be false, as Tito's Vodka only contains 40% alcohol, which is below the recommended alcohol content for effective sanitization. Good Housekeeping also notes that while regular rubbing alcohol can be used to disinfect hard objects, it is not suitable for hand sanitization due to its quick evaporation. Therefore, it is important to use the correct type and concentration of alcohol when making homemade hand sanitizers to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Alcohol | Isopropyl Alcohol or Ethyl Alcohol |
| Minimum Recommended Level | 70% for Isopropyl Alcohol, 60% for Ethyl Alcohol |
| Vodka as an Alternative | Not recommended as it contains only 40% alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
Isopropyl alcohol is the recommended type
Isopropyl alcohol is preferred for hand sanitizers because it has a higher concentration of alcohol, typically 90% or more, which is effective at killing germs. When diluted with aloe vera gel, the total alcohol content can be adjusted to be above 60%, which is the minimum recommended level for hand sanitizers to be effective.
It is important to note that achieving this mixture at home can be difficult, as mentioned by Birnur Aral, PhD, the Health, Beauty, and Environmental Sciences Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. An incorrectly prepared mixture may be ineffective at killing germs, and isopropyl alcohol can also be harmful to the skin when used topically.
Therefore, while isopropyl alcohol is the recommended type of alcohol for hand sanitizer, it is important to use commercially prepared products that have been properly formulated and tested, rather than attempting to make your own at home.
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It must be at least 60% alcohol
It is important to note that not all alcohol is strong enough to kill germs. According to Robert Glatter, M.D., Men’s Health advisor and emergency physician at Lenox Hill, most liquors contain alcohol concentrations of about 40%, which is too weak to get rid of bacteria. For example, Tito's Vodka, which is 40% alcohol, cannot be used as hand sanitizer as it does not meet the minimum alcohol content requirement of 60%.
To be effective, alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol, with some sources recommending a range of 60% to 70% alcohol content. This high concentration of alcohol is necessary to effectively kill microorganisms and prevent the spread of disease.
When making your own hand sanitizer, it is important to be aware that achieving the correct mixture can be difficult. The minimum recommended level for sanitizer using isopropyl alcohol is 70%, and 60% when using ethyl alcohol. However, isopropyl alcohol can be harmful to the skin, causing dehydration and even superficial burns. Therefore, it is recommended to use ethyl alcohol when making homemade hand sanitizer, ensuring that the final product contains at least 60% alcohol.
In summary, it is crucial to use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to ensure its effectiveness in fighting germs. Lower concentrations of alcohol may not be strong enough to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of disease.
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Vodka is not strong enough
During the coronavirus pandemic, a shortage of hand sanitizer led people to make their own homemade versions, often using vodka, aloe vera gel, and essential oils. However, this is not recommended, as it is difficult to get the ratio right, and homemade hand sanitizer may not be as effective as store-bought versions.
The CDC recommends that hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. Vodka brands such as Tito's have warned customers that their vodka is not strong enough to be used in homemade hand sanitizer formulas. Tito's Vodka is only 40% alcohol, and therefore does not meet the CDC's recommendation.
While it may be tempting to try to make your own hand sanitizer, especially during a shortage, it is important to leave this to professionals who have the necessary training and equipment. The CDC also recommends that hand washing with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations, so it is always better to wash your hands with soap and water if possible.
In summary, vodka is not strong enough to be used as an effective hand sanitizer, as it does not meet the minimum requirement of 60% alcohol content. It is important to follow the recommendations of health organizations and use proper hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water to ensure effective germ-killing.
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Tito's Vodka was falsely advertised as a hand sanitizer
In 2020, Good Housekeeping published an article claiming that combining Tito's Vodka, aloe gel, and essential oils could create a "safe and effective" homemade hand sanitizer. This claim was false and potentially dangerous. In response, Tito's Vodka issued a statement on Twitter, clarifying that their product contains only 40% alcohol, while hand sanitizers need to contain at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs.
The CDC also recommends hand washing as the best method of hand hygiene in non-healthcare settings, as it is often more effective at protecting against disease transmission than hand sanitizers. This incident highlights the dangers of spreading misinformation about medical and health solutions, especially during a public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is important to note that while alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be effective in reducing the spread of certain viruses and bacteria, they are not a substitute for proper handwashing with soap and water. Additionally, hand sanitizers can be dangerous if ingested, especially by children, due to their high alcohol content.
Tito's Vodka is made from grain neutral spirit (GNS), an industrial high-proof alcohol produced in large distilleries. While it is then re-distilled and processed by Tito's, it is not "handmade" as the company claims. Regardless, Tito's Vodka should not be used as a hand sanitizer, as it does not meet the minimum alcohol content requirements for effective disinfection.
In conclusion, Tito's Vodka was indeed falsely advertised as a hand sanitizer by Good Housekeeping, and the company rightfully issued a correction to ensure the safety of its customers. It is crucial to follow the recommendations of health authorities, such as the CDC, when it comes to personal hygiene practices, especially during public health emergencies.
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Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be harmful if swallowed
The Good Housekeeping website ran an article (since removed) claiming that by combining vodka, aloe vera gel, and essential oils, one can create a "safe and effective" homemade hand sanitizer. However, this is not true and can be dangerous, especially for children. Tito's Vodka had to issue a correction to its consumers, stating that while Tito's is 40% alcohol, hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective in fighting germs.
The CDC study found that the most common adverse effects of ingesting hand sanitizer included eye irritation (31.4%) and vomiting (22.8%). Conjunctivitis, oral irritation, cough, and abdominal pain were also reported. More severe but rare side effects included coma, seizures, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory depression. Ingesting as little as two to three teaspoons (10-15 ml) of a 60-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can cause a small child (10-15 kg) to become inebriated.
It is important to supervise children closely when using hand sanitizers and to educate parents and teachers about the potential dangers. If ingestion is suspected, immediately contact the Poison Help Line or a medical professional. While hand sanitizers are convenient when soap and water are not available, handwashing with soap and water is still the most effective way to reduce the number of germs and prevent the spread of disease.
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Frequently asked questions
Good Housekeeping recommends using isopropyl alcohol with a minimum of 70% concentration in hand sanitizer.
Ethyl alcohol can also be used, but it needs to be at a concentration of at least 60%.
Yes, most liquors such as vodka do not contain a high enough concentration of alcohol to be effective in hand sanitizer.
Using an alcohol with a lower concentration can be ineffective at killing germs and bacteria. It may also be harmful to the skin, causing dehydration and even superficial burns.
