Using Soju, Wine, or Beer for Homemade Hand Sanitizers: A Comprehensive Guide
During times of shortage or emergency situations, the idea of repurposing alcohol from soju, wine, or beer to create homemade hand sanitizers often arises. However, it's important to understand the considerations and limitations associated with using such beverages for this purpose.
Alcohol Concentration: The Key Factor for Effectiveness
The key factor in the effectiveness of any hand sanitizer is its alcohol concentration. According to health guidelines, a hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol by volume (ABV) to be effective. This concentration is crucial because it ensures the sanitizer can kill a wide range of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria that cause diseases.
Alcohol Content in Common Beverages
Most soju typically has an alcohol content of around 16-25%, wine is usually around 12-15%, and beer ranges from 4-6%. Since these beverages do not meet the 60% ABV threshold, they are not suitable for making effective hand sanitizers. However, if you have access to higher-proof alcohol like vodka or rubbing alcohol (which typically meets or exceeds the 60% ABV requirement), you can utilize these higher-proof alcohols to create an effective hand sanitizer.
Dilution and Other Ingredients
If you decide to use a higher-proof alcohol, you can mix it with other ingredients like aloe vera gel or essential oils to create a hand sanitizer. Here's a common recipe:
2/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol (99% or at least 60% ABV) 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel Optional: a few drops of essential oil for fragranceStorage is important to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your homemade hand sanitizer. Store it in a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent contamination and maintain its potency.
Emergency Situations and Repurposing Alcohol
It's important to note that while you cannot effectively use soju, wine, or beer to make hand sanitizers, you can use higher-proof alcohols that meet the required concentration. If you don't have access to any alcohol, using something is better than nothing in emergency situations. However, it's crucial to understand the limitations and seek alternative options when possible.
Distillation for Higher Proof Alcohol
In emergency situations, you can consider distilling your alcohol to increase the ABV to above 60%. By distilling, you can convert a lower-proof alcohol into a higher-proof alcohol suitable for hand sanitizers. This process involves heating the alcohol and capturing the distilled vapors, which can be a complex and precise process. Always follow safety guidelines when distilling alcohol.
World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of hand sanitizers with more than 80% ethanol. While this is the ideal standard, it's important to use any hand sanitizer available, even those below the 80% ethanol mark, if you don't have access to soap and water. However, regular handwashing with soap and water remains the best method to prevent the spread of diseases.
Conclusion
While soju, wine, or beer cannot be effectively used as hand sanitizers due to their low alcohol content, higher-proof alcohols can be used to create effective hand sanitizers. Distillation is a potential solution for increasing the alcohol concentration to the required level. Always prioritize safety and follow guidelines to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your homemade hand sanitizer.