MANILA — With the continued spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines, it’s important to stay clean and healthy.

Experts have repeatedly said that hand washing is very important to prevent COVID-19 infection. But what if there is no water and soap?

The Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has released an instructional video on how Filipinos can create their own hand sanitizers, with the help of a licensed chemist, chemical engineer, or pharmacist.

DOST-ITDI said it decided to make the manual because of the continued scarcity of hand sanitizers and alcohol in supermarkets and other stores.

Those interested in making their own hand sanitizer will only need distilled water and chemicals such as carbopol, triethanolamine (TEA), propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, and if preferred, a perfume or scent.

According to the video, the main ingredient of a hand sanitizer is ethyl alcohol, which neutralizes certain microorganisms. However, it also needs a base liquid like water, a thickener, a neutralizer, a moisturizer and the optional scent or perfume. The formula for the mixture is listed in the instructional video.

DOST-ITDI, which reminds the public to ask the assistance of chemist or pharmacist in making the hand sanitizer solution, also included in their video a list of authorized chemical suppliers is also provided.

The institute said that a hand sanitizer “kills 99.9% of bacteria as fast as 15 seconds after application and can prevent the spread of bacteria and certain viruses.”

“Hand sanitizers work by stripping away the outer layer of oil on the skin thereby preventing bacteria and certain viruses from coming or lodging onto the surface of the hand,” it added.

The institute recommends that people use a hand sanitizer before eating and after touching objects that may be contaminated by bacteria or viruses. These are door handles, hand rails and table surfaces.