Since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic, sales of hydroalcoholic products have tripled and many pharmacies and stores are out of stock. In case of shortage, or simply to save money, you can follow the recipe of the World Health Organization (WHO) and make your own hydroalcoholic solution.
Here are the quantities to obtain one litre of hydroalcoholic solution:
-833 ml of alcohol (96% ethanol or 99.8% isopropanol)
-41,7 ml hydrogen peroxide (3 % hydrogen peroxide)
-14.5 ml glycerin (glycerol 98%)
-distilled or boiled water to complete.
Making your hydroalcoholic gel: the steps
The proportions may vary slightly, but the alcohol concentration must remain above 60%; the higher the alcohol concentration, the more effective the hydroalcoholic solution will be.
– Pour the alcohol into a graduated container.
– Add hydrogen peroxide and then glycerol (glycerol is viscous, so you can use some of the distilled water to rinse the container with which you poured it).
– Top up with the remaining distilled water.
– Immediately divide the solution between several tightly closed bottles to prevent evaporation.
– Wait at least 72 hours before using your hydroalcoholic gel to allow the hydrogen peroxide to act.
– If you are not tempted to play chemist, simply wash your hands with soap and water: this is even more effective than hydroalcoholic gel against the spread of epidemics.