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As the supply of hand sanitizer across the country ran out, people desperate for a substance that could kill the coronavirus began to look for homemade hand sanitizer formulas on the Internet.

Many recipes circulating on the Internet include ingredients such as mixed alcohol and aloe vera. Although in theory DIY may be a smart idea when commercial products are sold out, experts warn against it.

Health experts warn against using DIY hand sanitizer. Credit: iStock

They said that the problem is that it is difficult to obtain the correct ratio of the effective mixture, which means that it may be a fire hazard, the mixture may be contaminated with bacteria, or even become harmful.

Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, an infection control expert at the University of New South Wales, said: “I have a real problem with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and these recipes.”

"You assume that the formula you get can protect you from COVID-19, but getting the correct ratio of alcohol and ingredients is indeed an accurate science.

"The solution requires only moderate amounts of isopropyl and ethanol (both above 65%). If the percentage of alcohol in the solution is lower than this number, it will stop being used as a disinfectant, and if it is higher than this number, it will take longer It will only work if it is exposed to your hands for a period of time."

Professor Allen Cheng, an infectious disease expert at Monash University, agrees.

"There is no need to [home-made hand sanitizer]. Soap and water can inactivate the coronavirus very well," he said.

He said that even using a recipe approved by the World Health Organization is a bad move.

"It involves pure alcohol, at least it can cause a fire, and in the worst case it is easily contaminated by bacteria and harmful," he said.

According to the World Health Organization, there are two formulations for manufacturing disinfectants, both of which require ingredients that are not easily available and require certain manufacturing skills.

"The WHO formula is targeted at medical staff and hospitals in resource-poor areas," said Professor McLoughs.

Professor McLaws said that the most important thing is not to bother trying any recipes.

"To have an antibacterial and antiviral hand sanitizer, you need to properly mix isopropanol (or isopropanol) and ethanol, as well as other ingredients that can mask the smell and prevent the volatilization of alcohol. Dry your hands," she said.

"Trying to get the correct levels of isopropanol and ethanol has a potential fire risk."

So, what if you cannot use hand sanitizer or wash your hands immediately?

"Don't touch your face, make sure to go to a "safe space" (work, home, etc.) where you can disinfect your hands," Professor Cheng said.

In most cases, tap water and ordinary household soap will work, except for medicated soaps that usually contain antibacterial agents.

Professor McLaws said: "You don't need medicated soap. It was developed to allow hospitalized patients more time to stay away from pathogens (dangerous bacteria) on the hands of medical staff."

"We should not aim to kill all the bacteria on our hands; many bacteria are normal and can keep the skin healthy, and we want them to come back."

"Soap and water act as emulsifiers and can remove all the good bacteria-but not them-and the dangerous bacteria that usually hitchhiker on our hands."

Therefore, when you cannot buy alcohol-based hand sanitizer from the store, don't worry. Professor McLaws said, insist on washing with proper soap and water. Just follow the steps below.