Purell is low in Seattle. How to make your own hand sanitizer

Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. But what if you can't access a sink?

We’re hearing there's been a run on Purell and other hand sanitizers in the Seattle area in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, so here’s how to make your own in a pinch.

Ingredients

2/3 c. rubbing alcohol that is at least 99 percent isopropyl alcohol (some recipes call for cheap vodka, but that’s roughly 40 percent, not strong enough). Cost: $2

1/3 c. aloe vera gel or vegetable glycerin (available at PCC and most drugstores, usually in the beauty aisles). Cost: $4-$7

Mix well in a clean bowl. Optional: Add 10 drops essential oils for nice smell (we recommend lavender because it’s not bad for your skin; some essential oils are not good on skin, but add $12 if you're buying the lovely lavender scent from Dandelion Botanicals in Ballard). Rub a generous amount of the mixture all over your hands, and let it dry.

Total cost: $6-$21

Isolde Raftery is KUOW's online managing editor and can be reached at iraftery@kuow.org or via direct message on twitter @isolderaftery.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said a lower grade of rubbing alcohol could be used. In fact, only 99 percent will do. If you have a lesser type of rubbing alcohol, diminish the amount of aloe or glycerin you use. The balance must be 60 percent alcohol.