Vodka is made to be savored, not to sanitize. But the spread of COVID-19, combined with skyrocketing demand for hand sanitizer, is causing some concerned citizens to seek sanitizing alternatives. Earlier this week the social media were abuzz with erroneous rumors that Tito’s Handmade Vodka would get the sanitization job done, requiring a sobering official response.

“Per the CDC, hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60 percent alcohol," representatives of the brand announced on Twitter (and no, you can't sanitize your hands with wine either). "Tito’s Handmade Vodka is 40 percent alcohol, and therefore does not meet the current recommendation of the CDC.”

“As soon as we saw the incorrect articles and social posts, we wanted to set the record straight,” a spokesperson from Tito’s Handmade Vodka told Unfiltered via email. “While it would be good for business for our fans to use massive quantities of Tito’s for hand sanitizer, it would be a shame to waste the good stuff, especially if it doesn’t sanitize—which it doesn’t, per the CDC.”

Vigilant handwashing and keeping a safe distance from anyone coughing or sneezing is the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus, health experts say. For more information on best practices, visit the World Health Organization’s advice page.

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