It has been hard to track down hand sanitizer lately and for those who cannot always be at home near soap and water, it’s a real concern. So I wanted to share this DIY hand sanitizer recipe with you all.
First things first, please be sure you are careful with the ingredients and measurements and use at your own risk. This recipe is safe and works great, but there have been news stories of people making their own sanitizers and somehow causing health issues to themselves and others. That said, this is an easy recipe to make with many of the ingredients you probably have on hand.
In order to make this a true sanitizer, you’ll need enough alcohol to make it at least 60% of the mix. So you may need to adjust your ratios based on the percentage of your isopropyl alcohol. This recipe calls for 99% isopropyl alcohol.
Adding in the essential oils is another way to increase the effectiveness. Many essential oils are both antimicrobial and have anti-viral properties. If you don’t have essential oils, you can still use this recipe, but keep in mind the oils will make it smell better and kick it up a notch for your health. See my page on getting started with essential oils if you are interested in adding oils to your lifestyle. Get Started
DIY Hand Sanitizer
It’s so easy to make this! Gather the following ingredients and tools:
- 2/3 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp jojoba oil – optional
- 10-20 drops peppermint essential oil – optional
- 10-20 drops Thieves blend essential oil – optional
- Bowl and spoon
- Funnel
- Bottle with squeeze top or pump
Add all ingredients into the bowl and mix well. Funnel the mixture into the storage bottle.
If you aren’t finding aloe vera gel in stores, you can substitute with glycerin or lotion. The aloe is mainly to help protect the skin and keep it from drying out so much. A layer of lotion after using the sanitizer may be a good idea as well.
Watch this video to see the recipe in action.
Use your new hand sanitizer when you have to be on the move, like after grocery shopping or other errands. I’ve also used it on a cloth to wipe down my shopping cart handle when other wipes aren’t available.