We're 99.9% certain that there is no specific bacterium that manufacturers have in mind when they make this claim. Most likely, this figure is highlighted because it is the exact percentage required in order for a product to qualify as a "sanitizer."
The EPA designates products as sanitizers when they can demonstrably reduce certain microorganisms (odor-producing and otherwise) by at least 99.9% more than a control substance, within five minutes. The EPA calls this a "3-log reduction." If the product is meant to sanitize surfaces that will have contact with food, the standard increases to a 99.999% reduction within 30 seconds (a 5-log reduction). Those hopeful of turning obsessive-compulsive behavior into success on Jeopardy take note: A sanitizer is different from a "disinfectant" in that a disinfectant must "completely eliminate all the organisms" listed on its label.
But what about those instant antimicrobial hand sanitizers? They also claim to kill 99.9%. Do they really? Some research says sanitizers actually aren't as effective in killing bacteria as soap and water. That's because, according to one professor at Purdue, they're tested on inanimate objects, not human skin. As for that fancy antimicrobial soap, it's no more effective than regular soap and water, just more expensive.
Of course, one might ask, is 99.9% good enough when it comes to germs? Don't go there, we say. You start obsessing over this stuff, no telling what can happen.
I found an all-natural, all-organic hand sanitizer right on one my Debra's List websites. Green Living Now carries a hand sanitizer made from biodynamic (that's better than organic) grape alcohol and a proprietary blend of certified organic essential oils. Owner Amy Todisco says "I have found a fantastic organic hand sanitizer, and it's safe for children. Very pleasant aroma (you won't smell like medicine or sickly sweet) in an easy to use spray mist container that fits in your purse or coat pocket...Dries on contact, use when sick or traveling, can be used on all germy surfaces (like public toilets), and no toxic synthetic antibacterial ingredients. Pleasant fragrance."
I did a search for "natural hand sanitizer" and found about a half dozen on various websites. But NONE but this one listed ingredients. One "all-natural" product said it contained "ethyl alcohol" but said nothing about the source of the alcohol. I know Amy Todisco and she is very particular about choosing her products and does a lot of research on them, so I trust this was the best one she could fine.
If you want to make your own, you're on the right track with aloe vera gel and essential oils. On page 110 of my book Home Safe Home, I wrote about how at the beginning of the twentieth century in Paris they discovered workers in the flower-growing district had fewer respiratory illnesses. Intitut Pasteur investigated and found it was because of the essential oils in the flowers. They identified laevender, jasmine, tuberose, thyme, and others as having antiseptic properties. Also tea tree oil is antibacterial.
I also want to pass along to you a warning from Purdue University about hand sanitizers.
Aaccording to a Purdue university professor who teaches sanitation practices for food service workers, "Waterless, antibacterial hand sanitizers are marketed as a way to 'wash your hands' when soap and water aren't available, and they are especially popular among parents of small children. But research shows that they do not significantly reduce the overall amount of bacteria on the hands, and in some cases they may even increase it."
