These definitely seem like preps to me. How did the DIY hand-sanitizer turn out? I was going to try, then read some articles that indicated it was really difficult to achieve same gel-like consistency. Abandoned the plan before even starting.
Yes, unfortunately what makes many of those HEPA filters so incredibly effective at filtering is their use of fiberglass in their construction. Definitely don't want to be breathing in fiberglass.
You're simply not going to get the typical gel from DIY hand-sanitizer formulas that you do from the commercial stuff. However, the effectiveness is going to be exactly the same. And even commercially, there are hand-sanitizer formulas out there with the consistency of water. You can use a spray bottle from the local hardware store or the local .99 cent store. But for a small 30ml or 50ml spray bottle that you can EDC, one that comes with a clear hard plastic top to prevent accidental depression of the button, check Amazon or Wal-mart.com for empty spray bottles in those sizes. Thankfully, no one is hoarding those.
Two truly effective DIY hand-sanitizer formulas:
1 cup (8 fluid ounces) of Isopropyl (Rubbing) alcohol.
*Do NOT go below 91% to start.
1 tablespoon of Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
1 teaspoon of liquid glycerin
---Optional--- Add a couple of drops of scented Essential Oils. (For a nice smell.)
Stir together.
Very carefully add purified water, or room temp. water that was boiled, until this mixture is exactly 1-1/3 cup in volume. Stir a bit more. Use a funnel to pour into your spray bottle.
The reason you can't go below 91% purity for the rubbing alcohol is because it's going to get diluted by the time you're done mixing. This is extremely important! For this formula, the purity is going to decrease by approximately 24. So 91 minus 24 will equal 67. That's good. You don't want the final mixture to fall below 65% purity. 91% and 99% being the two most easily found purities of Isopropyl alcohol out there, which are appropriate.
Now, if you can't get Isopropyl alcohol; you can use ethyl alcohol instead. The stuff folks like to drink. But again, purity matters. For hand-sanitizer, I prefer Everclear at 190 proof (95% pure). But you can use any spirits that are 180 proof or higher. Don't go below 180 (90% pure). Keep that factor of 24 in mind.
An even easier formula is mixing any of the above purity levels of Isopropyl or ethyl alcohol with Aloe Vera. Again there's going to be dilution. Very easy, 2 Parts alcohol to 1 Part Aloe Vera. Stir together, Done! Best thing about this formula is that it allows you to make smaller batches of hand-sanitizer than the other formula. For example: 2 fluid ounces of Alcohol to 1 fluid ounce of Aloe Vera gives you 3 fluid ounces. Enough to fill up a combination of spray bottles that are EDC sized.
These are the only two truly effective formulas I've found out there for killing germs and viruses. The rest, especially formulas that rely on all-natural ingredients only; not good enough.
As far as Homemade/hand-sewn masks go on Etsy, I'm currently working on getting 1-3 examples of various masks from various sellers on that site to feature in a video on my main channel on YouTube. So, still gathering masks and data. That project won't be done until after the start of June. However, I've already received a few and gotten to inspect them. Here are a couple that will be going up on my recommended list when that video is done. Keep in mind, I don't personally know these sellers. I'm not affiliated with them in any way except as an online buyer. That's it. Also, I have a ton of experience on Etsy buying other items. I'd say only 40% of the time, I was happy with what I got from various sellers. That percentage has been better when it comes to masks.
Also, keep in mind that ALL Homemade/hand-sewn masks bought over the internet cannot be certified. They're not sold as medical grade. Wearing a mask though can slow the spread of infection from person-to-person. Especially if social distancing and self-quarantine is observed. (I get it, we all have to go out to the supermarket, the grocery store, and the pharmacy at a bare minimum.)
Edit ~
Removed a good chunk of my original post here, as new information came to light regarding the best mask sellers on Etsy.
Speaking of filters, best one is the PM2.5 disposable filter. I just wish it came in an overall slightly longer and wider size than it does. Uses Activated carbon sandwiched in between two other types of layers for filtering.
I did very recently discover re-usable filters, and even mentioned those a few hours ago on my YouTube channel (NGMonocrom) in the latest video I uploaded onto there. You can check it out if you'd like. It details other aspects of using protective masks. Still doing research into those types of filters though. I really hope this post helps you out. Please stay as safe as you possibly can. I've also got a "CV-19 Directory" video up on my channel. You would not believe how many videos I had to watch to find seven good ones that deal with making DIY masks of various kinds, DIY effective hand-sanitizer, and DIY effective anti-bacterial wipes. Sooo much misinformation out there. Found seven worth linking to. Have those in the Description Box below that video. Also, each of those other content creators made it clear they want their videos out there; reaching as many people as possible.
