Sanitization: have you gone too far? and how to make yours

Yes, these are critical times and you want to keep your environment as clean and safe as possible, but overdoing it can cause more harm than good.

Regular use of house cleaning products is equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes a day, one study found. The research followed more than 6,000 people over a 20 year period and found women in particular suffered significant health problems after long-term use of these products. 

Another study found that those who clean with chlorine bleach only once a week have a 32% higher chance of developing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder).

Other side effects of inhaling the fumes coming out of house cleaning chemicals include stinging in nose and eyes, lightheadedness, and coughing.

Bottomline, you don't want to cause yourself lifelong health problems only to avoid coronavirus infection.

What does the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) say?

A solution containing at least 60% alcohol would do the trick and deem your place safe. So, why not create your own homemade sanitizer by mixing the correct amounts of alcohol and aloe vera gel? Adding a few drops of essential oils that are known for their disinfecting capabilities such as tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon would be an added advantage.

How to make yours at home using alcohol, aloe vera gel and essential oils

Using 99% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol

2 parts alcohol + 1 part aloe vera gel + a few drops of essential oil

(For example: 60 ml. alcohol + 30 ml. aloe vera gel)

Using  91% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol

3 parts alcohol + 1 part aloe vera gel + a few drops of essential oil

(For example: 75 ml. alcohol + 25 ml. aloe vera gel)

Using 70% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol*

9 parts alcohol + 1 part aloe vera gel + a few drops essential oil

(For example: 90 ml. alcohol + 10 ml. aloe vera gel)

* Mixture number 3 is going to be a bit too runny and is better suited for a spray bottle, unlike mixtures 1 and 2 that can be put in a dispenser.

Note: If you choose this method, remember not to overdo it as the billions of bacteria that live on your skin are there for a good reason! They thrive on your skin to help fight disease-causing microbes (1).

Even better,,,

You can use Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL), nature's safest disinfectant. It is completely harmless and non-toxic. In fact, our white blood cells produce hypochlorous acid to help heal and protect the body.

Hypochlorous Acid is commercially produced via water electrolysis during which sodium chloride (table salt) is added to water then an electric current is passed through the water.

Although 100% safe and non-irritant, hypochlorous acid is 70 to 80 times more powerful than chlorine bleach.

Hypochlorous acid has been researched for around 30 years and can be used in around children and pets. Moreover, It can be used to sanitize fruits and vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood as research shows it can kill salmonella, E.coli, Listeria and more.

How do you sanitize your house?