Hello, internet reader. It's safe to say that the last few weeks have had us all a bit anxious as we keep hearing news about the spread of the coronavirus.
Some people became particularly distressed when they couldn't get their hands on hand sanitizer in stores, and thought they'd try the homemade approach:
Bout to go get me a handle of @TitosVodka and make some hand sanitizer for my family.
Thinking about making my own hand sanitizer out of aloe vera and Titos vodka #Coronavirustexas
Gonna make some hand sanitizer from @TitosVodka to keep safe from the corona virus. 😔👌
Yes, you read that right. People are attempting to make hand sanitizer out of Tito's vodka. Thankfully, the brand itself took to Twitter to point out why that's not the best idea:
@cpmaher17 Per the CDC, hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60% alcohol. Tito's Handmade Vodka is 40% alcohol, and therefore does not meet the current recommendation of the CDC. Please see attached for more information.
Tito's vodka is only 80-proof, which means it is 40% alcohol and therefore does not meet the CDC's recommendation that suitable hand sanitizer should be 60% alcohol. The World Health Organization actually has guidelines for making your own hand sanitizer if you absolutely need to, but it's really only meant to be used by people who don't have access to clean water and medical-grade products.
So that's that, folks. Tito's vodka, while suitable for drinking away any coronavirus-related anxiety (if you're of age), is NOT A SUITABLE INGREDIENT FOR HAND SANITIZER.
If you're worried because your local grocery store or pharmacy is fresh out of hand sanitizer, remember that the World Health Organization insists that washing your hands and not touching your face is still the best way to protect yourself.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. What you need to know about handwashing: https://t.co/UyYggQjM9T
Here's a helpful video from the CDC with everything you need to know about washing your hands.
And in case that wasn't enough to make the message sink in, here's a handy graphic from the World Health Organization:
Before I let you go, let's review one more time: 1) hand-washing is the best way to protect yourself, 2) wash your hands thoroughly, and 3) for the love of everything, DO NOT use Tito's vodka to make your own hand sanitizer.
