Making disinfectants yourself - is that possible?

Since Corona, delivery bottlenecks for disposable gloves, mouth and nose protection and disinfectants are no longer a novelty. As a rule, however, this bottleneck can be quickly compensated for. But as a precaution, more and more people are considering whether it is worth make your own disinfectants. But is that even possible? And if so - how?

● Components / ingredients of disinfectants

The following ingredients are included in disinfectants, but not every ingredient is mandatory...

○ Ethanol: ethanol is a colourless, highly flammable alcohol. This is used in many disinfectants as an active ingredient against bacteria and viruses. Ethanol is the basis of many disinfectants.

○ oils: Essential oils, ideally from a purely natural source, have an antibacterial and antivirulent effect in addition to ethanol. Lemon, lavender and tea tree oils are particularly common. These soothe the skin, calm the blood circulation and relax the hands.

○ Glycerin: Glycerin is a component that is not necessarily contained in every disinfectant. The sugar alcohol is mainly used as a moisturizer.

○ hydrogen peroxide: This ingredient has a disinfecting, antibacterial and odor-eliminating effect. It is particularly well-known as a bleaching agent in hair dyes, but it is also used as an active ingredient in surface disinfection, cleaning agents and mouthwashes.

○ Surfactants: These are necessary for disinfectants because they reduce the surface tension. This allows liquids to mix that would otherwise not mix, such as water and oil.

● Make disinfectants yourself according to WHO recommendations

For the Production of a disinfectant, as recommended by the WHO, you first need the following ingredients:

○ 830 ml ethanol (96 percent), alternatively you can also use 750 ml isopropanol.

○ 45 ml hydrogen peroxide (3%)

○15 ml Glycerin (98%)

○ 110 ml distilled or boiled and then cooled water

You should also have a boiled or sterile plastic or glass bottle with a screw cap on hand.

And this is how you make the disinfectant:

○ Carefully pour the ingredients into the bottle. A funnel can help with this.

○ Mix the chemicals. You can do this by shaking the closed bottle.

○ Store the liquid in a cool, dry place and wait 72 hours before first use. This ensures that any germs that may have been in the bottle have been killed by then.

● WHO manufacture disinfectants - WHO instructions

In addition homemade disinfectant the WHO gives a few tips that we would like to pass on to you:

1. Only use the disinfectant externally and make sure that your eyes do not come into contact with the preparation.
2. keep that homemade disinfectants inaccessible to children.
3. Keep the sanitizer away from heat and flame as it is highly flammable.

● How dangerous is handling glycerin and hydrogen peroxide?

In fact, handling hydrogen peroxide is not entirely harmless. According to the statutory hazard statements H302 and H332 it is harmful if swallowed or if inhaled and may cause (H318) serious eye damage.

It is best to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling hydrogen peroxide. In case of contact with eyes, the chemical should be gently flushed out for several minutes. If you accidentally swallow them, it is recommended that you contact a doctor immediately.

Glycerol is a viscous solution that should ideally be pipetted. If done properly, there is nothing to worry about. Glycerol must also be rinsed out thoroughly if it comes into contact with the eyes. If swallowed, it is recommended to drink plenty of water and consult a doctor if you feel unwell.

● Advantages of self-mixed disinfectant

Homemade disinfectant offers a few advantages. at homemade disinfectant all ingredients have passed through your hands before they ended up in the preparation. This way you can be sure that your disinfectant does not contain anything that you might prefer not to put on your skin. Of course, you can always make your own hand sanitizer and add any essential oils you like.

● Disadvantages of self-mixed disinfectants

If you are not exactly a DIY fan, you will probably find it annoying to touch the hygiene product yourself. Because disinfectants manufactured under conditions and controls are not only easy to buy in pharmacies, drugstores or online, but are usually also more effective. In professionally manufactured products, ingredients are also processed that ensure that the disinfectant is absorbed more quickly. Homemade disinfectants gets a point deduction in terms of suitability for everyday use.

● Only make disinfectants yourself in an emergency ​

We at WIESENBERG produce our disinfectant under the strictest conditions and with the highest standards for ourselves. With the WIESENBERG disinfectant you are on the safe side, as we guarantee high effectiveness, gentle absorption into the skin and even a wonderful feel-good factor. Just drop by our online store and try our product.